Tooth Brushing

[Baxter Tiberius]

I told myself when I got an english bulldog I would "do everything right". This meant daily tooth brushing. At least that was my plan.
Despite countless attempts, I simply can't do it. I have given up. I try to get in there and I can't get "coverage" to ensure he's getting a good tooth brushing.
Its too hard. I've conquered all the other bully challenges. Even the nail clipping hell. But this I can't do.

Dental health is hugely important for good health and longevity.
Poor dental health leads to inflammation of gums, etc leads to systemic infections, which can lead to heart problems, and generalized inflammation that can branch off to disease.
I realize there are chew toys, but that doesn't give me peace of mind that his teeth and gums are in *optimal* condition.

I considered taking him to get it done but it seems stupid that they charge $10 or $15 for a 2 minute process.
I can see $5 maybe ... and having someone do it a couple times a week. An expert, who really does it good.

I was going to do a "monthly deep cleaning" for him, but my understanding is they need to use sedatives or anesthesia. is that true?

 

[Vikinggirl]

Hi Kevin, I do brush my guys teeth, but have done this since they were 10 weeks old. It is easier if you do it from a young age, but still can be done at home quite easily. I sit on the floor with their bodies facing away from me, and place their head on my chest, then I brush their teeth. I use the Arm and Hammer products from Petsmart, it comes in a kit with a toothbrush, finger toothbrush, and beef flavoured toothpaste. If you find it difficult to use the toothbrush, use the finger brush it's much easier to use. You can do it once every two weeks, and use bones and chew toys in between. Doing it sometimes, is better than not at all. Even if you think you aren't getting in there, and doing a good enough job, you are doing some brushing, which is also better than none at all. I wouldn't put them under anesthetic to clean their teeth, because of the risk, you would have also have to do it too often, which could also be expensive. My groomer has taken a course for cleaning and scaling teeth, so I let her do their teeth about every two months, if you do it regularly and maintain, then they shouldn't get too much of a plaque buildup, and it can be removed easier by the groomer. See if you can find a groomer who cleans and scales teeth in your area.

 

[Baxter Tiberius]

My groomer has taken a course for cleaning and scaling teeth, so I let her do their teeth about every two months

This is what I was wondering about. That doesn't require a sedative? The petsmart grooming lady told me it does.

 

[Vikinggirl]

The lady who does it at my groomers, doesn't put them to sleep, she did a course in dog teeth scaling, and she is certified. She did a really good job and she also brushes their teeth after.

 

[2BullyMama]

Yes, to my knowledge, the deep cleaning requires sedation.

 

[Vikinggirl]

February is Pet Dental Month



Oral Care 101: Healthy Teeth, Healthy Pets!


You clearly recognize the importance and benefits of having a mouth full of healthy teeth and gums. Like oral health problems in humans, a lack of regular and attentive care when it comes to your pets’ teeth can have serious implications. Many studies show that pets with poor oral health have a higher risk of heart, kidney and liver problems.


The signs and symptoms of dental disease in pets are as follows:


Bad breath
Red, swollen and or bleeding gums
Yellow-brown deposits (like cement) along the gum line or on the crowns
Becoming a picky eater
Eating on one side and dropping food
Rubbing their face on the ground, pawing at the mouth and drooling
Personality change, irritability and depression
Pet parents often underestimate the steps that need to be taken with their pet’s teeth in order to help maintain good health. To ensure that oral health problems do not interfere with your pet’s quality of life, pets should have their teeth brushed on a regular basis.


1. Don’t assume that you will know when your pet’s teeth are hurting him or her. Pets will continue to eat even if they have tooth pain simply due to hunger.


2. Learn how to brush your pet’s teeth. We recommend the following:


Buy a toothbrush and toothpaste that are specifically designed for pets. Global Pet Foods carries a few different varieties.
Don’t brush your pet’s teeth when they’re stressed or full of energy. Your dog may be more willing to have his or her teeth brushed after they’ve been running around or after a long walk as they may be more tired and relaxed.
Let her lick some toothpaste off your finger so she’ll be more open to the cleaning. Add some toothpaste to the brush and commence the brushing process slowly.


Allow your pet to get used to the feeling of the brush first. Start with the canine tooth, which is the longest tooth on either side of the four front teeth, as these are the easiest teeth to reach first. Gently lift their lip, insert the toothbrush, and gently brush that one tooth. Start slowly to ensure that he or she doesn’t resist the toothbrush in their mouth.
Brush the gum line around all of the teeth gently. Be tender and speak quietly to your pet to keep them calm. Slowly brush the front of all of the teeth, including the gums, in a circular motion. If your pet continues to pull away or he’s getting increasingly jumpy and irritated, then stop and calm him down. Try again later in the day or over the next day or two so that you can ensure that all of the teeth are brushed.


If your pet allows you to brush their teeth, 30 seconds per side is an ideal length of time.
You do not need to brush on the inside of the dog’s teeth. Your dog’s tongue will take care of plaque there. It’s more important that you regularly brush the outside of your dog’s teeth.
Don’t forget to praise your dog afterwards!


If you pets really won’t let you brush their teeth with a toothbrush put some dog toothpaste on a small section of old worn washcloth (the thinner the better) and wrap it around your finger. Then rub the outside of the teeth, concentrating on the largest tooth in the upper and lower jaw. This is better than doing nothing and should help to keep their teeth clean.


If you are stressed about the process or are concerned about whether you’re brushing your pet’s teeth properly, ask one of the specialists at your neighbourhood Global Pet Foods store to demonstrate the proper technique for daily brushing.






Please also note the following:


Dental care for pets is critical for your pet’s health. If you are not able to brush your dog’s teeth, there are other options when you’re in between vet visits. Consider using oral rinses made especially for dogs. You’ll find a good variety of oral care products for cats and dogs at Global Pet Foods stores.


Never use human toothpaste, as the foaming agents can pose health risks to pets.
Do not give your pet any type of candy, ever! Like chocolate, sorbitol-sweetened candy is toxic to dogs. Regular candy is as bad for your pet’s teeth (and yours!).


While many brands of dry pet food incorporate dental benefits, incorporating special dental treats formulated to reduce tartar, plaque build-up, and stains is another option for pet parents to be proactive in preventing oral health problems. Many people give their dogs a bone or rawhide as a way to help keep their teeth clean. While these can help keep your pets’ teeth cleaner, they may also cause tooth fractures, or result in your pet ingesting bone shards. Ask our Healthy Pet Care Specialists for assistance in selecting the right product and size for your pet. Also, keep an eye on your pets when they have these products to ensure that they don’t choke.


Some toys, like nylon tennis balls, can erode the crowns of your dog’s teeth, so look for toys that provide some protection, like durable rubber dog toys.


Contact your vet if you note changes in your pet’s behaviour or health. If your pet stops eating, or they have bad breath, excessive drooling, inflammation, or visibly damaged or missing teeth, this usually indicates an issue that must be addressed by a professional.


Ensuring that you are looking after your pet’s teeth and gums is one key factor in keeping them healthy and happy for many years. You will find a wide variety of new and improved dental products for cats and dogs in neighbourhood Global Pet Foods stores across Canada. Let our Healthy Pet Care Specialists help you improve and maintain your pets’ dental health.


We want to see your pet’s smile!

 

[Manydogs]

If your dog's teeth are needing a thorough cleaning-haven't been done for quite awhile-yes, the vet would sedate them. If you find a groomer who does the teeth-
scaling, as [MENTION=6311]Vikinggirl[/MENTION] stated, you need to ask if they sedate them. Ask how they do it, and I would even ask to be present(but maybe out of your dogs sight) when they do it.That way you can be sure that they do NOT sedate. I have known groomers who say they don't sedate-and they DO! The finger brush is alot easier to use as far as getting to the back of the mouth.

 

[Vikinggirl]

I have never heard of a groomer that sedates animals. How would they even do that? They would need the proper equipment and facilities. I know my groomers doesn't sedate, she operates a small facility that sells only the 4 Star plus foods, dog toys, clothes, and products, and she has a small room in the back for bathing and grooming. Her room has a big picture window, so you can see the animals being groomed. There is a girl there who is a groomer and did a course and is certified to clean and scale the teeth.

 

[Manydogs]

I have never heard of a groomer that sedates animals. How would they even do that? They would need the proper equipment and facilities. I know my groomers doesn't sedate, she operates a small facility that sells only the 4 Star plus foods, dog toys, clothes, and products, and she has a small room in the back for bathing and grooming. Her room has a big picture window, so you can see the animals being groomed. There is a girl there who is a groomer and did a course and is certified to clean and scale the teeth.

They use an injectable. I don't take mine to groomers. When I had poodles, I did their haircuts myself. I know there ARE some groomers here that are drug-free. But there are others.....