I am to the point with Lucy where I can take gauze and wipe her teeth with it. The THK without grains and the Rec bones have done a good job keeping most of the plaque off her teeth, but I know they make pads for dental cleaning.

The problem is there are LOTS of dental pads and I know Connie and few others use the pads, and I have done a search and can't find the posts, so could someone point me to the 'approved' pads that the veteran trainers use that are on this board? I would really appreciate it. I don't want her gums getting infected again.

This is news to me! The pet toothbrushes seem so harsh. I'd like to know, too.

I went and grabbed my supplies so I could read from the packages. The dental rinse I have, that you squirt along the outer-facing gumline, is called C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Rinse. It comes with a separate cap that aims a hose at the gumline. (The dogs will wiggle their upper lips weirdly when you do it, so I guess it tickles.)

This is not a replacement for brushing. It's better than nothing, but if you can brush most days and do the squirty thing the other days, my dogs' dental vet (who did their anesthetized cleaning) says that's a pretty good protocol.

For me, brushing means the fingertip "brush," like a soft thimble with soft rubber bristles on it. It too is C.E.T. I use C.E.T. poultry or beef paste too, and you can get the finger thing and the paste all in one bubble pack, cheap.

These pads http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9819 look nice but I have not tried them. I would bet that they are between the squirty thing and the brush for benefit level. I think I will get some.

Here is a tooth-cleaning video. http://www.puppy-training-solutions.com/dog-teeth-cleaning.html Scroll way down.

Anything is better than nothing, IMHO, and on a rushed day, if the pad will make me do it, I want it. (I have a low-saliva-production dog, and that means lessened "washing" by saliva of the outer-facing surfaces.)

A useful point is that if you have trouble getting into the inner-facing surfaces, you can at least get to the outer-facing surfaces, even if they tickle, and get the parts that are most commonly affected with plaque, etc.

Edited by Connie Sutherland (09/02/2009 01:17 PM)
Edit reason: fix URLs

The pads look promising for now. Thanks Connie. She will definitely not let me use the finger brush on her yet. She is willing to let me use gauze as long as she gets her super treat afterwards. (Oh yes, using the knowledge from all your posts about super duper high value rewards for things like ears, teeth, etc. She is coming along beautifully!)

Oh, and low salivation does contribute to severe plaque build up (along with cereal grains in the kibble). Ask me. Hambone for years needed teeth cleaned every two years even with brushing. Almost non existent saliva was another clue to his thyroid problem....<<--------side note.

Am writing down the toothe paste and other information for future use. Anticipating next spring for the first true tooth brushing experience.

I wish I could use the rubber finger thingy instead of a brush! Kasey doesn't care at all that I clean them - I started when he was little, so he's used to it. But he automatically does this thing where he can't just sit there w/o moving his mouth - he has to open and close his jaw like he's chewing, so I'm afraid of getting my finger bit accidentally! I've not been able to figure out how to get him to stop that! I hope it's not bad to use a toothbrush!

 Quote: Lori Hall

... I hope it's not bad to use a toothbrush!

No no. I just find it more difficult.

I've used the pads from Drs Foster/Smith. They worked well for my dog and are easy to use.

I know a place locally that mainly does wholesale grooming products that they ship all over that sells tooth cleaning wipes and other products at wholesale. I will PM you if you want their information. They are good to deal with as well.

 Quote: Mara Jessup

I've used the pads from Drs Foster/Smith. They worked well for my dog and are easy to use.

Thanks for a first hand experience. I will look into them next paycheck time!

 Quote: Keith Kaplan

I know a place locally that mainly does wholesale grooming products that they ship all over that sells tooth cleaning wipes and other products at wholesale. I will PM you if you want their information. They are good to deal with as well.

Please PM me and I will check them out too! Always looking for a bargain and suggestions to help both dogs of mine. (and cat).