by Robert S. Gaddis, Jr. DVM
Getting Started:
To get your pet to let you work with his mouth, it is best to start slowly and and at a young age. During a quite time, simply run your finger along the teeth. If he fusses, play with him, then start again. The important thing is to relate the treatment to pleasing things. Making homecare treatments enjoyable for you and your pet is the only way either of you will accomplish your goal. If you go too fast or make it a frightening experience, then further advance will be delayed.
Another trick to performing homecare is to do it in a comfortable environment. If your pet is most relaxed in the living room, don't drag him off to the bathroom, lift him to the sink and start running water. Keep a brush near your pet's favorite resting place and then when he seems most relaxed, proceed with your homecare.
Methods:
Method #1
Take a small gauze sponge and wrap it around your finger. Lift the lips to expose the teeth and then wipe them with the gauze. Don't try to wipe the inside surface of the teeth (tongue, or lingal side) because it's possible to get bitten. We don't usually worry so much about that area anyway as the friction and movement of the tongue tends to keep them clean anyway. If you have a pet brand toothpaste or rinse solution, dab the gauze into it prior to wiping the teeth. We don't recommend that you use your human brand toothpaste because if swallowed, human toothpaste will usually cause nausea. Pet brand toothpastes are non-foaming and made to be ingested. Ask us about brands.
Method #2
Using the same lip lifting technique as before, expose the teeth and instead of wiping the teeth with the gauze, use a CET Finger brush with super soft bristles to brush your pet's teeth. Use a front to back sweeping motion. This method will take a little longer to master but will prove to be very effective. Also effective for cats and small dogs are Q-tips or eyeshadow applicators along with the flavored pet toothepaste or rinse solution.
Method #3
Using a water pic on the lowest setting or a syringe, flush all teeth and gums free of debris. This method is very important for animals having advanced periodontal disease. Use a Chlorahexedine solution, either Nolvadent or Periodox, to clean debris out from the exposed gingival pockets and disinfect all gingival margins (along the gumline). To ensure proper healing, this method should be done on a daily basis until the periodontal disease process is under control. This method is also very important for pets wearing orthodontic appliances. Appliances tend to trap food and debris in and around the teeth and gumline. In order to avoid premature periodontal disease, daily homecare is a must!!
These methods will greatly improve you pet's dental health and reduce the need for professional treatments. Quality homecare coupled with periodic professional prophylaxis will make a significant difference in your pet's health, happiness and longevity.
