Once your pet is happy about having their teeth touched, you can start tooth brushing for real. You have to press the toothbrush firmly into the ‘pet toothpaste’ to make sure the dog or cat cannot lick the toothpaste off the brush. Then introduce the toothbrush into the pet’s mouth.
Start by brushing the outside surfaces of a few of the teeth and gradually increase the number that you clean. When your pet is relaxed with this, open the mouth by gently pulling the top jaw upwards. Carefully clean the top and inner surfaces of the teeth, again increasing the number of teeth cleaned as your pet gets used to the process.
After brushing, you should reward your pet with a game or praise so that the whole process feels enjoyable and worthwhile.
It usually takes about three to four weeks for your pet to accept tooth brushing and it should be done once a day.
If your pet finds cleaning all the teeth too upsetting, it is better to carry on brushing the outer surface of the teeth rather than give up completely, as the tongue and saliva clean the inner tooth surfaces to some extent.
Dental care in small furry pets
Some of the teeth of rabbits, guinea pigs and small rodents, such as hamsters, gerbils and rats, grow continuously. If their teeth don’t meet properly, and they become overgrown, this can cause serious problems.
It is important to provide them with the correct food and, for some species, gnawing blocks that naturally wear their front teeth down. Again, your vet will be able to advise you about this.
A rabbit’s diet is especially important in maintaining healthy teeth.
Rabbits need a diet that offers chewing exercise, and food that needs crushing, as rabbits’ teeth are designed for grinding. Rabbits fed exclusively on an incorrect diet will develop abnormalities in their teeth.
This is why their staple diet should be grass or hay, which provides the wear that their ever-growing cheek teeth need.
Overgrown teeth can cause difficulties in swallowing or can lead to the production of excess saliva. The pet may refuse food, especially if it is hard, and may generally find it difficult to eat. They will progressively lose weight. If left untreated these ever-growing teeth can penetrate the opposite gums causing pain and abscesses.
Bored pets can damage their teeth by chewing at their cage. One cause of boredom may be housing that is too small and lacks enough toys or stimulation. Poor housing can also lead to insufficient sunlight, needed to make the vitamin D that is necessary for healthy teeth and gums.
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