Let's be honest. Brushing your pet's teeth on a regular basis can seem like a hassle, but the benefits are well worth it! You can prevent serious dental problems, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth loss with regular brushing. Dental problems extend much farther than the mouth. If left untreated, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs including the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and the brain, causing infections and seriously compromising your pet's health.

Here are three easy steps to follow for brushing your pet's teeth.

1. Start easy and gently. Wrap gauze around your finger. Dip it in something such as chicken broth or warm water. Gently rub your finger along the outside of the teeth. Continue to rub the outside surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. It is not necessary to do this on the lingual (tongue) side of the teeth. Be sure to reward your pet's good behavior with positive reinforcement (petting, praise, small treat, etc).

2. Once your pet is comfortable with the first step change from chicken broth to a cat/dog toothpaste, such as C.E.T. Continue using the gauze, but slowly increase the amount of time. Calculus generally builds up heaviest toward the back of the mouth on the molars, try to concentrate on this area. Move to the final step when your pet is comfortable with this level and movement.

3. The final step is the change from the gauze to a toothbrush or finger brush. Brushing for a full 3 minutes is not required. Any brushing you do will help prevent further plaque and tartar build up. Again, it is not necessary to brush the lingual side of the teeth, pay close attention to the molars, and remember the positive reinforcement.

Following these simple instructions will make brushing your pet's teeth a much more pleasant experience for both you and your pet. Your pet will also reap the rewards of better dental health!

Information provided by Mulnix Animal Cliic