How to know if you are brushing your pet’s teeth properly?

Brushing pets’ teeth can be quite a demanding task when you are not properly equipped with the tools and training necessary to ensure the best results. Most pet owners believe that if the toothbrush reaches their pet’s teeth, they have accomplished the goal of brushing, but they are wrong. Although it is commendable that your pet can hold its mouth open for a few seconds, it does not mean you are hitting all the important spots necessary to keep their oral hygiene in check.  How to know if you are brushing your pet’s teeth properly? These are standards that you must follow to make sure that brushing not only works but is enjoyable for you and your pets. 

First Standard: How do you know if the brushing is not working?

The easiest way to know if brushing is not working for your pet is by smelling their breath. Simply put your nose to their mouth and sniff, if you smell something off then you might want to brush and then smell again. Another way you can tell if brushing is not working is by checking the color of your pets’ teeth. We all know the rules, white is good and yellow is bad so check the color of their teeth to ensure you know whether it has been working.  

Second Standard: How to brush properly?

1. Make sure that the time you are brushing is good for your dog

The best time to brush is when your pet is relaxing and the environment around them is controlled and safe.  

2. Buy a proper toothpaste

We recommend buying an enzymatic toothpaste as it works to maintain clean teeth even after brushing. Make sure that the toothpaste is specifically for dogs and not humans as it is not safe for them to ingest. Before brushing you must introduce your dog to the toothpaste, and this can be done by putting a little bit on your finger for them to smell and taste. 

3. Gently brush the easiest teeth to reach

When brushing it is important to make sure your dog feels safe. Starting with the teeth easiest to reach and furthest from the back will ensure that they are less irritated and more likely to continue brushing. 

4. Brush the front teeth

It is important to reach all the front teeth in your pet’s mouth. The appropriate way this can be done is by starting at the pet’s incisors, the smallest teeth in the mouth found in the top and bottom of the front jaw and brush it in a downwards direction for 15 seconds on each side. Next, right beside the incisors on both sides of the jaw are the canine teeth, the longest and sharpest fang-like teeth. For these teeth you will brush for 15 seconds on each tooth approximately 1 minute all together.  

5. Brush the back teeth

It is important to reach all the back teeth in your pet’s mouth. Start with the premolars located behind the canine teeth on both sides of the mouth side to side and top and bottom. Brush the teeth in a backwards motion for 15 seconds on each reaching all four sections. Lastly, the molar in the furthest part of the mouth, like the premolars, must be brushed for 15 seconds on each section.  

6. Continue and paw forward until you see results!

Third Standard: Tips to make sure brushing works 

1. When brushing your dog’s teeth make sure that you are brushing in a downward direction. 
2. When brushing your cat’s teeth make sure that you are brushing in a horizontal direction. 
3. Reach both side areas of the tongue and the top as it is a crucial tool to prevent tarter buildup.  
4. Use the BiteBlock and new BrushMate toothbrush and toothpaste as they are specifically made to ensure that brushing is done properly and effectively.