We recommend professional teeth cleaning once a year. Our pets need the same dental care that we need for our oral health: brushing, cleanings, and check-ups. Neglected teeth can create bacterial infections that may cause health problems down the road. We know that by 3 years of age, 80% of dogs and cats have gum disease. Small dogs and cats need their first professional cleaning at age 1½ to 2 years, and large dogs by age 3.

Have you ever thought about brushing your pet's teeth?  Starting when they are young is an advantage, but animals of any age can learn. Follow the steps outlined below, moving on to the next step only when you and your pet are ready. This training period might take as little as two weeks or up to four months. It is important to match your expectations to your pet's temperament. 

Offer the toothpaste on your finger and let your pet lick it off. Repeat daily until your pet looks forward to this “treat”.  Handle your pet's mouth gently. Lift the lips, and rub the gums and cheek side of teeth lightly with flavored toothpaste using your finger or a finger brush. 

Progress to a soft bristle toothbrush. This will give you the best results. Brush daily from the gum to the tip of the tooth.  Remember that each of these steps must include a positive reward. Most animals enjoy the flavored toothpaste (poultry, malt, beef, or seafood). You can reinforce that pleasurable routine with an extra treat, praise, a walk, or another favorite activity. Make this an enjoyable experience for both of you.
 

Don't over restrain! Learn to anticipate when your pet is no longer interested and finish that session before your pet becomes impatient. Once things are going well, you can move on to daily brushing. If this isn't possible, then an every other day routine is the next best thing! 

In addition to brushing, there are diets on the market that are designed to help maintain oral health. Some mechanically remove plaque from the surface of the tooth and others slow the progression of plaque to tartar.  Appropriate chew toys also aid in the mechanical removal of plaque. However, we discourage the use of all bones, nylon bones, cow hooves, and compressed rawhide bones. These toys can break teeth requiring otherwise unnecessary treatment – either extraction(s) or root canal therapy. 

Home dental care is vital in maintaining oral health. Brushing at home does not take the place of professional cleanings, but will help fight gum disease between cleanings – and will promote good overall health in your cat or your dog.