{"id":1711,"date":"2019-02-21T20:15:51","date_gmt":"2019-02-21T20:15:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.summeridgeanimalclinic.com\/blog\/?p=1711"},"modified":"2021-11-29T15:54:22","modified_gmt":"2021-11-29T15:54:22","slug":"brushing-your-pets-teeth-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.summeridgeanimalclinic.com\/blog\/brushing-your-pets-teeth-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Brushing Your Pet\u2019s Teeth At Home: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Our pet\u2019s don\u2019t need to be camera ready, but their teeth still matter. Studies show that good dental health in pets can contribute to overall better general health and a longer life. And how would you feel if you never brushed your teeth, or saw the dentist?
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Plaque and tartar are all too common in pets. In fact, by the time your pet is 4 years of age, chances are they have some form of dental disease. But this common problem is also preventable. Summeridge Animal Clinic<\/a> has some tips and tricks to help give your pet healthy teeth and gums. Our approach includes three things: regular dental exams, regular professional teeth cleanings, and daily tooth brushing at home.
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If you gasped, laughed, or rolled your eyes at the mention of brushing your pet\u2019s teeth, bear with us! Tooth brushing doesn\u2019t have to be hard, and most pets can learn to tolerate and even enjoy this daily attention. Let us show you how!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Pet Dental Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Plaque and tartar build up on the teeth and under the gumline on a daily basis. The bacteria that accompany them go to work on your pet\u2019s teeth and gums to cause inflammation (gingivitis). And if not brushed away, bacteria can work their way under the gumline and start to destroy the supporting structures of the teeth, including the root and even the bone underneath.
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Cats especially are challenged by bacteria under the gumline, as they are susceptible to a number of dental diseases<\/a> brought on by other systemic disease.
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We recommend you start with a clean slate. Regular dental exams and professional dental cleanings<\/a> lets us remove years of plaque and tartar buildup. We will examine each tooth to determine how many teeth can be saved, and polish rough tooth surfaces to prevent future plaque buildup. Once your pet\u2019s teeth are clean, you can begin a daily brushing routine to keep plaque and tartar at bay in between cleanings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brushing Your Pet\u2019s Teeth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before you begin, gather the tools you\u2019ll need. Purchase a small pet toothbrush \u2013 you can use finger brush for cats or small dogs. You\u2019ll also need a pet toothpaste as human toothpaste can make your pet sick.
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