Do you think using a finger to brush teeth is good enough? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Darlene68 · 10-30-2009, 05:03 AM

I've tried everything to brush Bailey's teeth, a babytooth brush was to big, YT'er Archie was kind enough to send a smaller toothbrush but it was still to big for Bailey's tiny mouth

, I tried Gauze wrapped around my finger and it keeps getting hooked up in his teeth. I even tried a clean mascara brush but felt it wasn't getting all the teeth! So I have been using just my finger alone, I don't know what else to to do

Bailey's mouth is so tiny, and getting the back teeth nearly impossible with anything. So, is my finger alone good enough? I hate the thought of Bailey getting bad teeth.

Princes mom · 10-30-2009, 05:55 AM

This works extremely well for us...

Petrodex Finger Toothbrush Gloves - Health Care - Cat - PetSmart

I got this from PetSmart. I cut the whole index finger off of the glove and place it on my finger. It is very thin and perfect for tiny mouths. The red rubber ones were too big for Prince's mouth, and regular dog toothbrushes were too big and awkward. I wish they sold only the index finger, but I don't think they do. You can wash and reuse the "finger" as well, like a toothbrush.

rebeccag · 10-30-2009, 06:10 AM

I tried puppy brushes, finger brushes, children's brushes and my dogs either didn't appreciate it or they thought it was a chew toy....ouch! Anyway, I just let them chew on the tooth brush after I put tooth paste on it but was sure that wouldn't be good enough so I started giving them raw chicken bones. There are some good threads on here about raw diet. I guess giving them the entire raw chicken bones or any kind of raw meat on bone is nutritious and great for the teeth. It's easier than fighting with them to brush their teeth...lol!

Ellie May · 10-30-2009, 06:22 AM

Unfortunately, no, it isn't going to be good enough. You may be just as far ahead to have him lick the toothpaste off of your finger and have him coat his own teeth while he licks his lips. Personally, I'd say use whatever you can to get the front teeth and try your finger for the back, but don't be surprised if they start to get build up. Rinses and such might also work better for him (like MaxiGuard).

ally173 · 10-30-2009, 08:14 AM

i read some people using gauze pad to brush teeth; i guess u can try that; good luck

ARCHIE · 10-30-2009, 08:54 AM

I'm sorry to see the tiny toothbrush is still too big, Darlene.
I guess I just can't comprehend the size of the little one's mouths.
Bud's is so big

I have read other's using gauze. Hope you find something that
works for the two of you. Tartar builds up so fast.
What about Petzlife?

Darlene68 · 10-30-2009, 09:32 AM

Thanks Everyone, I'm am so scared of Bailey getting bad teeth after seeing what my bf's dog had to go through getting her teeth pulled

I don't know what kind of gauze people are using, what I bought gets hooked up in the teeth! I'm going to see if I can find sprays like suggested, thanks again

Darlene68 · 10-30-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARCHIE

I'm sorry to see the tiny toothbrush is still too big, Darlene.
I guess I just can't comprehend the size of the little one's mouths.
Bud's is so big

I have read other's using gauze. Hope you find something that
works for the two of you. Tartar builds up so fast.
What about Petzlife?

Yes Carol, his mouth is really tiny! I really appreciate your effort though!!

ally173 · 10-30-2009, 10:37 AM

yes gum disease can be horrifying. u can get the CET small brush from the internest; it's really tiny; also my vet recommended to use the baby toothbrush; they have tiny heads and they are cheap

i aslo use the Bluto's Yummy Gum Brush that i apply with a qtip; and biotene maintenance gel that i apply with my finger; besides using the CET toothpaste vanilla/min with the brush. you can get most of these on amazon. good luck

Amazon.com: Bluto's Yummy Gum Brush: Home &...

Elle · 10-30-2009, 11:03 AM

Talk to your vet about getting a good toothpaste. A childs toothbrush will be okay to use on the smallest teeth. Buy a few, take them w/ you to your vet and ask which one they feel is the best.
It's okay if the brush is bigger than the teeth. There isn't a replacement for brushing, only "in addition to" in proper oral hygiene. It sounds like you've had to witness someone's pet loose teeth. Even brushing them isn't 100%. But it will help. I have some that are fine with it. Some yorkies fight it everyday for years.
You are on the right track to stay on top of it.

MyLilReese · 10-30-2009, 11:24 AM

The sprays do work really good, I am good friends with my groomer, and she got us a box of the gloves with the ridges on the fingertips, and if you use the sprays once in the evening when they are done eating, and just use the glove like once a week, his teeth should be fine. Cute fur baby by the way!!

RemydeHaviland · 10-30-2009, 02:26 PM

Helpful post, thanks

I'm always wondering if I'm doing a good enough job with teeth brushing. I use a finger tooth brush and Remy's pretty good about it. It just hard to tell if I'm getting at all the places I should be! The front and canines are easiest...back teeth are tougher.

I may look at some of the rinses too...

Sweet Apple · 11-01-2009, 05:05 AM

I think you are fortunate if you are, at least, able to use your finger to brush his teeth...I have tried everything, and Apple is not going to let me do anything regarding her teeth...I've always been able to handle treating medium size and big dogs, but I just can't get this done w/Apple...I think I'm afraid of hurting her...Just be happy if you are able to use the finger brush...I, actually, switched Apple to raw, because I heard it was easier on their teeth, than dry kibble or canned...I also expect I'll be doing dental about every two years

Darlene68 · 11-02-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet Apple

I think you are fortunate if you are, at least, able to use your finger to brush his teeth...I have tried everything, and Apple is not going to let me do anything regarding her teeth...I've always been able to handle treating medium size and big dogs, but I just can't get this done w/Apple...I think I'm afraid of hurting her...Just be happy if you are able to use the finger brush...I, actually, switched Apple to raw, because I heard it was easier on their teeth, than dry kibble or canned...I also expect I'll be doing dental about every two years

The only way I can try to clean Bailey's teeth is by wrapping him like a burrito with a towel. I feel bad every time I do it, but he thrashes around so much I have no choice, I wish there was an simpler way

Britster · 11-02-2009, 06:50 PM

It's still a struggle for me to try and get Jackson to brush his teeth. He acts like I'm murdering him

I have no idea what to do because I really would like to start brushing his teeth, as he is 1 year old now. No tarter yet, he lets me open his mouth if he's laying down, sleeping or tired, but the minute I try to stick a little brush or anything in there, NOPE! I bought Petzlife hoping it would work better -- he wigged out after the first spray! I mean WIGGED out! Now whenever he sees me with the little bottle, he runs like the wind. I think I get too stressed out over it, need to just calm down, and re-start with introducing the brush slowly and making it a good positive thing again.

10-30-2009, 05:03 AM	#1
Darlene68 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,421	Do you think using a finger to brush teeth is good enough? I've tried everything to brush Bailey's teeth, a babytooth brush was to big, YT'er Archie was kind enough to send a smaller toothbrush but it was still to big for Bailey's tiny mouth, I tried Gauze wrapped around my finger and it keeps getting hooked up in his teeth. I even tried a clean mascara brush but felt it wasn't getting all the teeth! So I have been using just my finger alone, I don't know what else to to do Bailey's mouth is so tiny, and getting the back teeth nearly impossible with anything. So, is my finger alone good enough? I hate the thought of Bailey getting bad teeth. __________________ Proud mom to my beautiful furbutt Bailey!

10-30-2009, 05:55 AM	#2
Princes mom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,314	This works extremely well for us... Petrodex Finger Toothbrush Gloves - Health Care - Cat - PetSmart I got this from PetSmart. I cut the whole index finger off of the glove and place it on my finger. It is very thin and perfect for tiny mouths. The red rubber ones were too big for Prince's mouth, and regular dog toothbrushes were too big and awkward. I wish they sold only the index finger, but I don't think they do. You can wash and reuse the "finger" as well, like a toothbrush. __________________ Prince's mom Spoiled Rotten Club

10-30-2009, 06:10 AM	#3
rebeccag Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,105 Blog Entries: 2	I tried everything too... I tried puppy brushes, finger brushes, children's brushes and my dogs either didn't appreciate it or they thought it was a chew toy....ouch! Anyway, I just let them chew on the tooth brush after I put tooth paste on it but was sure that wouldn't be good enough so I started giving them raw chicken bones. There are some good threads on here about raw diet. I guess giving them the entire raw chicken bones or any kind of raw meat on bone is nutritious and great for the teeth. It's easier than fighting with them to brush their teeth...lol! __________________ I'm hoping God helps me be the person my dogs think I am.... Rebecca , Jonah & Ksena

10-30-2009, 06:22 AM	#4
Ellie May Princess Dusty Paws Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: The Great Lakes State Posts: 10,448	Unfortunately, no, it isn't going to be good enough. You may be just as far ahead to have him lick the toothpaste off of your finger and have him coat his own teeth while he licks his lips. Personally, I'd say use whatever you can to get the front teeth and try your finger for the back, but don't be surprised if they start to get build up. Rinses and such might also work better for him (like MaxiGuard). __________________ Crystal and Ellie May A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10

10-30-2009, 08:14 AM	#5
ally173 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: cliffside park, nj, usa Posts: 508	i read some people using gauze pad to brush teeth; i guess u can try that; good luck __________________ Ava's mom; Elly

10-30-2009, 08:54 AM	#6
ARCHIE Owned by "Buddy" Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 14,523	I'm sorry to see the tiny toothbrush is still too big, Darlene. I guess I just can't comprehend the size of the little one's mouths. Bud's is so big I have read other's using gauze. Hope you find something that works for the two of you. Tartar builds up so fast. What about Petzlife? __________________ :Carol Buddy: ~MEMBER OF THE S.R.C. AND TEAPOT CLUB~

10-30-2009, 09:32 AM	#7
Darlene68 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,421	Thanks Everyone, I'm am so scared of Bailey getting bad teeth after seeing what my bf's dog had to go through getting her teeth pulled I don't know what kind of gauze people are using, what I bought gets hooked up in the teeth! I'm going to see if I can find sprays like suggested, thanks again __________________ Proud mom to my beautiful furbutt Bailey!

10-30-2009, 10:37 AM	#9
ally173 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: cliffside park, nj, usa Posts: 508	yes gum disease can be horrifying. u can get the CET small brush from the internest; it's really tiny; also my vet recommended to use the baby toothbrush; they have tiny heads and they are cheap i aslo use the Bluto's Yummy Gum Brush that i apply with a qtip; and biotene maintenance gel that i apply with my finger; besides using the CET toothpaste vanilla/min with the brush. you can get most of these on amazon. good luck Amazon.com: Bluto's Yummy Gum Brush: Home &... __________________ Ava's mom; Elly

10-30-2009, 11:03 AM	#10
Elle Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 77	Talk to your vet about getting a good toothpaste. A childs toothbrush will be okay to use on the smallest teeth. Buy a few, take them w/ you to your vet and ask which one they feel is the best. It's okay if the brush is bigger than the teeth. There isn't a replacement for brushing, only "in addition to" in proper oral hygiene. It sounds like you've had to witness someone's pet loose teeth. Even brushing them isn't 100%. But it will help. I have some that are fine with it. Some yorkies fight it everyday for years. You are on the right track to stay on top of it.

10-30-2009, 11:24 AM	#11
MyLilReese Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cantonment,FL, US Posts: 12 Blog Entries: 1	The sprays do work really good, I am good friends with my groomer, and she got us a box of the gloves with the ridges on the fingertips, and if you use the sprays once in the evening when they are done eating, and just use the glove like once a week, his teeth should be fine. Cute fur baby by the way!! __________________ Reese's Mommy

10-30-2009, 02:26 PM	#12
RemydeHaviland Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 178	Helpful post, thanks I'm always wondering if I'm doing a good enough job with teeth brushing. I use a finger tooth brush and Remy's pretty good about it. It just hard to tell if I'm getting at all the places I should be! The front and canines are easiest...back teeth are tougher. I may look at some of the rinses too... __________________ Susanne and Remy

11-01-2009, 05:05 AM	#13
Sweet Apple Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Webster, Texas USA Posts: 887	I think you are fortunate if you are, at least, able to use your finger to brush his teeth...I have tried everything, and Apple is not going to let me do anything regarding her teeth...I've always been able to handle treating medium size and big dogs, but I just can't get this done w/Apple...I think I'm afraid of hurting her...Just be happy if you are able to use the finger brush...I, actually, switched Apple to raw, because I heard it was easier on their teeth, than dry kibble or canned...I also expect I'll be doing dental about every two years __________________ Maggie & Apple "IT'S ALL ABOUT APPLE"

11-02-2009, 06:50 PM	#15
Britster Owned by Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Annapolis, Maryland Posts: 4,048 Blog Entries: 1	It's still a struggle for me to try and get Jackson to brush his teeth. He acts like I'm murdering him I have no idea what to do because I really would like to start brushing his teeth, as he is 1 year old now. No tarter yet, he lets me open his mouth if he's laying down, sleeping or tired, but the minute I try to stick a little brush or anything in there, NOPE! I bought Petzlife hoping it would work better -- he wigged out after the first spray! I mean WIGGED out! Now whenever he sees me with the little bottle, he runs like the wind. I think I get too stressed out over it, need to just calm down, and re-start with introducing the brush slowly and making it a good positive thing again. __________________ Brit & JACKSON Jackson's YouTube Channel