-Start young so that brushing becomes part of your normal daily routine.
-Spend a few moments each day touching in and around your pet’s mouth. Progress to rubbing the outside surfaces of the teeth with your finger. Next, cover your finger with a damp cloth and rub the teeth. Once your pet is comfortable with this, move on to a finger brush and then to a toothbrush with pet toothpaste (not human toothpaste!)
-Don’t rush it. Remember – always quit while you’re ahead!
-End on a high by praising your pet when it’s all over.
-Hills dental diets are also helpful.
-Out vets/nurses would be very happy to show you the ropes if you need a bit of help.
Key Points
-Monitor young pets for abnormal development of teeth and jaw bones.
-Brush daily to maintain good oral health.
-Start brushing as early as possible.
Dental disease is like a launch pad for infections which travel via the blood to other parts of the body, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
What should I look out for?
–Temporary teeth sometimes fail to fall out resulting in misalignment of the permanent teeth. They can also create pockets in which food accumulates. This may lead to gum infection. Temporary teeth can be removed if they cause a problem.
–Abnormal jaw development can lead to abnormal growth of teeth.
–Gum disease is largely preventable with routine care. As with humans, the crux of good dental hygiene lies in the daily removal of plaque.
Plaque is made up of bacteria and food debris and builds upon the teeth throughout the day. As the plaque builds-up, the gums are pushed back exposing the roots of the teeth. Eventually, the teeth may fall out. This process often leads to infection of the surrounding gum and bone causing pain.
