For actually teeth brushing, you want to start doing this right away. The younger, the better so they hopefully will get used to it and not fight you. For teeth cleaning, that is usually done as needed, sometimes yearly. That is when they would be anesthetized.
Doggie toothpaste is different from human toothpaste and is okay (and intended) for the dog to swallow. I don't think dogs are supposed to get sick from the pet toothpaste, but I suppose you never know. I use Teeth for Life, which comes in a gel form that Sissy just licks. The theory is it blends with her saliva and coats the teeth, staying on until she eats or drinks (which isn't supposed to be 30 minutes after you give it). It is supposed to remove any plaque or tartar and help keep their teeth really clean. I have been using is daily for her (I actually brush her teeth once a week) and at almost a year old, her teeth look great. I've only ever seen Teeth for Life sold on internet pet stores.
__________________  Sissy & Angel |