Even if you brush your cat's teeth frequently, you'll need to be on the lookout for tooth problems. Lack of appetite, aggression, bad breath, red or swollen gums, heavy tartar, discolored teeth, bleeding from the gums, lumps above or below a tooth that aren't normal or weren't there before, tumors, sores in the mouth, pawing at the mouth, and nasal discharge are all signs of a potential dental problem.

Many cats also suffer from tooth decay. 70% of all cats seven years or older develop a form of cat cavity called FORL (Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions), which occur below the gum line. Cats can also get gingivitis.

Brushing Kitty's Teeth

Cats need their teeth and gums brushed, preferably daily, but no less than once a week. You'll need to buy special toothpaste formulated for pets (people toothpaste has fluoride in it, which can be poisonous to pets if swallowed) and a toothbrush for your cat. There are finger-toothbrushes available as well. These fit on your finger and allow you to brush your cat's teeth with less effort and more control than if you used a standard toothbrush. Ask your veterinarian to show you the right way to brush your cat's teeth.

Start Slowly

Many cats aren't used to having their face and mouth handled, so start slowly and get your cat used to you touching her face, cheeks, lips and even running your fingers lightly along her gums and teeth when you both are relaxed. If your cat struggles or becomes agitated, stop for the day.

- Margaret H. Bonham -author

Dental health is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Healthy dog teeth are an important part of having a healthy dog. Bacteria in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious infections, just like they can in humans. That's why, ideally, you should be brushing your dog's teeth once a day.

1. Make certain you are using a toothpaste or cleaning product that is designed for dogs. Human toothpastes have chemicals in them that can be toxic to a dog if swallowed.
2. Take your time. Before you even start using a toothbrush, allow your dog to get used to having your hands near his mouth. While the two of you are nice and relaxed, use your fingers to stroke his cheek like you would when you start brushing his teeth. You should also let him taste the special toothpaste for dogs, which he will discover is a tasty treat.
3. Introduce the tooth brush. The first few times you introduce the tooth brush, you'll probably only end up brushing a few dog teeth at a time. Eventually, you can slowly work up to brushing all of your dog's teeth, especially the ones at the back. Don't worry about the insides. If you only brush dog teeth on the outside, you'll still get most of the plaque.
4. Stop while it's still fun. If you always stop brushing your dog's teeth while he's still enjoying it, and praise him and snuggle him for the time he's spent with you, then tooth-brushing time will be a fun time for both of you to look forward to. That way you'll be able to happily brush dog teeth without a struggle.

One of the biggest advantages of brushing your dog's teeth regularly, and starting from an early age, is that if you can keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy then you may be able to avoid having to take your dog for a professional dog teeth cleaning. Since a professional dog teeth cleaning involves placing your dog under anesthesia, it's something most pet parents would probably prefer to avoid.

Quick Tip: When confronted by dog bad breath, don't just pick up a tooth brush-talk to your vet. Although bad oral hygiene is most often the cause of a dog's bad breath, it could reflect other health problems.

-Home Again Newsletter March 2010