Toothbrushes

Doctors Foster and Smith Toothbrushes make cleaning a breeze. Slim design of regular Toothbrush and convenience of Finger Toothbrushes allow owners to cleanse even hard-to-reach areas. Designed specifically for pets, with smaller ultra-soft bristles for everyday use. Finger Toothbrushes are great for the novice or pets with small mouths. Both the regular Toothbrushes and the Finger Toothbrushes are long lasting and easy to clean.

It is important to use toothbrushes designed specifically for pets - they are smaller, ultra-soft and have a somewhat different shape. Toothbrushes from Drs. Foster and Smith are a perfect fit for any size mouth, and Finger Toothbrushes are great for smaller pets.

Please click on "More Information" to learn how daily brushing and regular visits to your veterinarian can prevent plaque, tartar, and periodontal disease in your pets.

To prevent oral disease, it is essential to provide our pets with good dental care, both professionally and at home. Brushing your dog's teeth should not be a chore for you or your dog. Instead, it should be an enjoyable time for both of you. If you take things slowly at the beginning and give lots of praise, you and your dog will start looking forward to your brushing sessions.

Use toothbrushes designed specifically for pets – they are smaller, ultra-soft and have a somewhat different shape.

A good dental care program includes:

• Regular visits to your veterinarian, which include an oral exam
• Veterinary dental cleaning as advised
• Daily home oral care

Daily brushing and regular visits to your veterinarian can help prevent:

Plaque: Dogs rarely get cavities, but are much more prone to gum disease and excess tartar buildup on the teeth. Food particles and bacteria collect along the gum line forming plaque. Routine home care can remove this plaque.

Tartar: If plaque is not removed, minerals in the saliva combine with the plaque and form tartar (or calculus), which adheres strongly to the teeth. Plaque starts to mineralize 3-5 days after it forms. The tartar is irritating to the gums and causes an inflammation called gingivitis. This can be seen as reddening of the gums adjacent to the teeth. It also causes bad breath. At this point it is necessary to remove the plaque with special instruments called scalers.

Periodontal Disease: If the tartar is not removed, it builds up under the gums. It separates the gums from the teeth to form "pockets" and encourages even more bacterial growth. At this point the damage is irreversible, and called "Periodontal" Disease. It can be very painful and can lead to loose teeth, abscesses, and bone loss or infection. As bacterial growth continues to increase, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream. This can cause infection of the heart valves (endocarditis), liver, and kidneys. If treated by your veterinarian with special instruments and procedures, periodontal disease can be slowed or stopped.

Teaching your pet to accept a regular dental program early in his life is by far the easiest way to keep plaque at bay. Use the following guidelines to clean your pet’s teeth and do it regularly.

1. To get your pet accustomed to having something in his mouth, start with a piece of gauze or damp washcloth wrapped around your index finger. Use a gentle circular motion.
2. Once he is used to this, advance to a soft nylon toothbrush, a finger toothbrush, a dental sponge and Dental Cleanser, or Dental Clens pads. What you use depends on your dog’s temperament.
3. Use toothpaste formulated especially for dogs, such as Drs. Foster & Smith Tartar Control or Baking Soda toothpaste.
4. If your dog already has inflamed gums, use Dental Guard with chlorhexidine and change to regular pet toothpaste after the inflammation is gone.
5. Use Dental Clens Pads to clean mouth folds.

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