Teeth are precious. Why? Because a healthy mouth means a healthy body. When an animal has a mouth that is inflamed by gingivitis, it is uncomfortable and sore. This affects chewing, which is the first phase of digestion.

Gingivitis is reversible, but dental disease is not. Preventing gingivitis and tartar will always be easier (and cheaper) than treating it.

Brushing is Best.

There is no substitute for toothbrushing! A toothbrush can clean areas that are hard to reach. It removes plaque and bacteria more effectively than any other product. Here are some hints to get started:

· Patience is key. Toothbrush training might be a long process, taking weeks to months for them to accept.

· First get them used to licking the toothpaste off your finger, every single day, until they are free of hesitation. Then, have them lick toothpaste off the toothbrush, every single day, until they are totally confident with it. Never start using the toothbrush until they are totally confident with it.

· Always use a pet-safe toothpaste, since it is free of Fluoride which is toxic. And pet toothpaste comes in fun flavors, like chicken or salmon.

· A small, soft bristle children’s toothbrush is easiest to start training with.

· Focus on brushing the ‘outside’ of the teeth – the side that touches the cheeks and lips. This is where most tartar builds up. Trying to brush the tongue-side of the teeth might be too annoying for them.

Dental products are next!

Dental products are great in combination with toothbrushing. They are also an alternative for those feisty pups and kitties that just won’t allow it toothbrushing. Use products that have been certified with a VOHC seal on the package. This means that they have been proven to work.

Chewing is last.

Chewing products help, but will not reach the entire mouth. For example, dogs have 42 teeth, but only chew with 26 of them. Cats have 30 teeth, but only crunch with 14 of them. And we do not know if your pup will use all their teeth to chew, or if they use both sides of their mouth.

Use Dental Diets that have the VOHC seal. These diets are always in the form of dry kibble, because crunching the kibble is what scrubs off plaque. Wet diets cannot be used to maintain dental health.

Is it too late?

What if your pet already has gingivitis or tartar? An oral exam by your vet will confirm which of these suggestions will help. If dental disease is already present, then these suggestions cannot reverse it. A dental cleaning under anesthesia may be the only way to ‘restart’ their gum health.

But it is never too late to start these suggestions! Keep your furry family member’s smile bright – and pain free.