1. Can I brush my pet teeth with human toothpaste?

No, because pets do not understand that they should not swallow the tooth paste. The fluoride in human toothpaste can actually be toxic to pets.

2. My pet eats dry pet food, do they need their teeth cleaned?

Yes, dry pet food does help with dental hygiene by scraping the teeth when the animal chews it up. However it does not kill all the bacteria in the mouth which is what causes most problems.

3. Does canned food affect my pet oral health?

Yes, canned pet food can actually contribute to bad oral health, by sticking more to the teeth and giving the bacteria a place to hide.

4. My pet only needs their teeth cleaned every couple of years.

Depending on the breed and the type of at-home dental care, some pets need their teeth cleaned every 6 months whereas some may only need it every couple of years. Your veterinarian will make recommendation when you come for your annual check up.

5. I do not want to put my animal under general anesthesia.

Anesthesia is not 100% safe, but with today modern technology it is safe as it can be. In the long run, the benefits outweigh the risk. Keeping your pet? mouth healthy can play a huge impact of overall longevity.

6. Is brushing my pet teeth once a month or so good enough?

Yes, some brushing is much better than none at all. However, the more frequently you brush your pet? teeth the better overall oral health they will have.

7. My pet will not let me have anything to do with their mouth.

Some animals are more resistant than others when it comes to dealing with their mouth, but with enough motivation and practice, they will learn to tolerate your advances. It can take several months for difficult animals.

8. My puppy/kitten is too young to have their teeth cleaned.

Puppies and kittens are always at the ideal age to start a oral hygiene plan. At this age, they are very impressionable and often less resistant.

9. I don't have time to deal with my pet oral hygiene needs.

When you get an animal, it is like having a baby. They require a lot of time and attention. Oral hygiene is just a small part of that, but it is very necessary. Even if you only brush your pet? teeth a few times a week for 2-3 minutes, they will be much better than if you never brushed them at all.

10. Even if I bush my pet teeth, they still get dirty.

Just like you and I, pet teeth will accumulate plaque and calculus over time. This is why they periodically need a general dental prophylaxis to break all the build-up away and start from scratch. There is not a replacement for professional teeth cleaning, but at home options are available to slow the process of dental disease.