Dental

Home dental care should be a daily part of each animal’s life. The commitment to time, energy, and resources from the owner will impact the quantity and quality of their animal’s life.
 

Supplies:
 

• Toothbrush (e.g., fingerbrush, pet toothbrush, human toothbrush), gauze, washcloth, pantyhose, Veterinary toothpaste,

Age:
 

• Home dental care should begin at 8–12 weeks of age. Brushing is not critical until the adult teeth erupt, but starting early allows the animal to become accustomed to the procedure during an impressionable period of development.

Introduction:
 

• Regardless of age, introduce brushing slowly and gradually, allowing the animal to determine the amount of time at each stage.

• As each step is begun, observe for the animal’s reaction and only advance to the next step once the animal is comfortable.

• Massage the animal’s muzzle and lips gently.

• Introduce your finger dipped in meat soup or garlic water (canine) or tuna water (feline) into the buccal pouch under the upper lip and rub the gum line.

• Introduce your finger covered with a gauze, washcloth, or pantyhose and rub the gum line and teeth in a circular motion.

• Introduce a pet toothbrush or a very soft human toothbrush held at a 45° angle to the tooth surface, brushing in a oval motion.

• Introduce the toothbrush with veterinary toothpaste.

• As the animal accepts the procedure, brushing of the lingual surfaces can begin.

• Place the nonbrushing hand over the muzzle and tilt head backward to open the animal’s mouth.

• Brush the visible teeth (opposite side) and then repeat on the other side.

• Brush daily, at a minimum of 3 times a week.

Adjuncts to brushing:
 

• Dental diets or treats

• Rawhide bones (e.g., Nylabone)

• Yearly dental examinations and cleanings, if needed

Tips for successful brushing:
 

• Select the same time each day to brush so the animal expects it (routine and repetition).

• Brushing in the evening is often preferred as everyone is in a more quiet mood.

• Sessions should be short, roughly 2–3 minutes.

• Offer praise and reassurance during and following the brushing.

Avoid:
 

• Human toothpaste, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide

• Heavy restraint

• Brushing aggressively

• Brushing if the procedure may cause pain (e.g., recent thorough oral examination, exposed pulp cavities, gingivitis, ulcerations, tooth mobility)

• Natural bones, cow hooves, hard nylon toys as they may fracture teeth