Mary Allen
Brushing your pet’s teeth prevents one of the most common diseases: tartar and its consequences for the health of the teeth and the entire body
These consequences also threaten our four-legged partners, because the usual diet today is not able to thoroughly clean the teeth when eating and thus ensure healthy teeth. In addition, in many animals, narrow spaces between the teeth and misaligned teeth prevent the teeth from cleaning themselves.
Remains of food stick to the teeth and offer bacteria an ideal basis for food and growth. The initially invisible, soft bacterial deposits on the teeth (plaque) quickly develop. If these are not removed by regular tooth cleaning, the solid, mostly ocher-colored tartar develops through the further accumulation of minerals from the saliva. This in turn promotes the growth of bacterial plaque under the gum line and ultimately leads to gingivitis and periodontitis.
For daily dental care at home, there is special enzyme toothpaste for dogs and cats. It is easy to use thanks to its good taste (e.g. poultry aroma), does not foam, and is simply swallowed after cleaning.
Brush teeth
Brushing your dog’s/cat’s teeth requires trust between humans and animals.
- It is best to start with this when you are a puppy. Get your dog/cat used to regular touching of the head and lips. Reward your dog/cat.
- If the dog/cat tolerates this without any problems, touch your teeth gently on a regular basis.
- You can do this by putting the toothpaste on your finger and spreading it over your teeth.
- Once your dog/cat accepts this exercise, you can start grooming. First, you should use a finger toothbrush or a gauze bandage wrapped around your finger.
- A real toothbrush (special animal toothbrush or children’s toothbrush) can then be used later.
- As a rule, brushing the outside of the tooth is sufficient, the inside is cleaned by tongue movements.
- Just brushing your teeth for about 30 seconds a day brings tremendous benefits to your pet’s dental health.