At Dental Solutions of Columbus, we pride ourselves on providing quality dental care to the whole family. Our friendly team and knowledgeable dentists specialize in treating human patients, but we know that many of our patients have pets they consider members of their family – and they need quality dental care, too!
Your pet’s oral health is often overlooked but extremely important. Just like humans, your animals need regular cleanings to avoid gum disease, tooth loss, and other dental issues. So we’ve put together some tips on caring for pets’ teeth so they remain healthy for years to come!
Make It a Habit
Ideally, you would brush your pet’s teeth each day. Of course, your busy schedule might mean that you are only able to brush them three or four times per week. Regardless, you should start brushing your pet’s teeth from a young age so they are used to the process.
Use the Right Tools
To properly brush your pet’s teeth, you’ll need a toothbrush. You can use a small, child-size brush, a specially designed brush specifically for animals, or even some gauze wrapped around your finger in a pinch. You’ll also need pet toothpaste. Regular toothpaste and baking soda can be harmful to your pets, so make sure you’re using a product designed for pets.
Practice Patience
Brush your pet’s teeth the same way you brush your own: gently, while making sure you reach every single tooth. Brushing too hard can irritate your pet’s gums and cause other issues. Some owners like to brush half of their pet’s teeth one day and the other half the next – whatever works, so long as you remember which half you started with!
After you’ve finished brushing your pet’s teeth, reward them with a treat and some play time. Much like good preventive care habits for your own teeth, regular brushing of your pet’s teeth will help them avoid most dental issues. Still, they should receive regular professional cleanings from their veterinarian.
Don’t forget that caring for your own smile is very important. Call us or use our online contact form to schedule your next cleaning and exam!