Take Care Of Your Pet's Pearly Whites

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA)--Do not ignore your pet's teeth. Dogs and cats can suffer from the same dental problems as people, including pain, infection and tooth loss.

If left untreated, poor dental hygiene can lead to disease in the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver.

Good dental care begins with your pet's food. Pets should get plenty of dry food which helps with plaque accumulation. Some vets recommend only feeding dry food--especially to dogs. Consult your veterinarian.

While bones and toys help reduce plaque build-up, you should brush your pet's teeth daily. Do not use human toothpaste on your pet, it can make them very sick. Consult your veterinarian for the right product to use. There are several liquids and pastes designed just for pets.

Here are some tips to get your pet used to having his teeth brushed:

• To introduce your pet to brushing, wrap gauze or a washcloth around your finger and use it like a toothbrush on the pet's teeth. Wipe all the teeth, front and back, with strokes from the gumline to the tip of the tooth. Do this for one to two weeks until your pet is familiar with having its gums and teeth rubbed.

• Gradually progress to a soft toothbrush and plain water. After a week of using a soft toothbrush, add a small amount of special dog or cat toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste as it may irritate the pet's stomach.

• Begin by brushing the front teeth and then the upper and lower teeth in the back. The bristles should be held at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface and be moved in an oval motion. Scrub in the crevice where the gums meet the teeth, as this is where odor and infection begin.
  

Also, you should take your pet to the veterinarian yearly for a professional teeth cleaning. Your pet will have to be put under anesthesia for this process.