Toothbrush

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by 107barney

I use the small toddler toothbrushes or child toothbrushes found at target or walmart. I also use the CET dental toothbrushes. We use vanilla mint, poultry, and now malt flavor CET pet toothpaste.

This. ..except we only use Vanilla Mint and I use OraVet once a week.

[sarahjmiller51]

just wondered as i am trying to get in the habit of brushing Hobo's teeth...which he HATES (but LOVES his BATH!!!)....but i use a little regular toothpaste and a regular toothbrush...

where do you get CET?

[addevo]

Originally Posted by sugarmamma

We use a Sonicare with a baby head and CET poultry flavored toothpaste. I brush her teeth 1x - 2x a day since her last dental 12/22/10 where she lost 6 teeth
.... . Her $130 Sonicare has saved her teeth!

Thanks for the tip about using a Sonicare. I've used one for years but didn't know they make child sizes. I just ordered one from Amazon.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by sarahjmiller51

just wondered as i am trying to get in the habit of brushing Hobo's teeth...which he HATES (but LOVES his BATH!!!)....but i use a little regular toothpaste and a regular toothbrush...

where do you get CET?

It is a brand that you can get through your vet or online (like from entirelypets or amazon). Regular toothpaste foams, so it is can be irritating to them. It also contains fluoride which is toxic to swallow.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

It is a brand that you can get through your vet or online (like from entirelypets or amazon). Regular toothpaste foams, so it is can be irritating to them. It also contains fluoride which is toxic to swallow.

I thought it was because of the sweetner use in human toothpaste?


I use the Conair Interplac toothbrush; it's sold at Target and is only $15.00. I like it because it has a small head that fits in Joey's mouth. It's quiet and it's easier to get the back teeth with this, and it's rechargeable. It also comes with several heads for multiple dogs! Conair Interplak Rotary Toothbrush - White (RTG3CS) : Target

They also make a battery operated one that's even cheaper, but I haven't tried it. Amazon.com: Interplak Battery Powered Plaque...

[Ellie May]

That could be a factor if any of them contain xylitol. But the fluoride thing is a major concern. Don't some even have the warnings that if more is swallowed than needed for brushing, seek medical help... Fluoride is said to bo more toxic than lead. So it can't be swallowed in large or concentrated amounts (there is a huge debate about why it is in toothpaste and the water supply at all). So anyway, a little Yorkie swallowing enough to brush with would be a huge problem.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

That could be a factor if any of them contain xylitol. But the fluoride thing is a major concern. Don't some even have the warnings that if more is swallowed than needed for brushing, seek medical help... Fluoride is said to bo more toxic than lead. So it can't be swallowed in large or concentrated amounts (there is a huge debate about why it is in toothpaste and the water supply at all). So anyway, a little Yorkie swallowing enough to brush with would be a huge problem.

So xylitol is the only sweetener we have to worry about? Didn't realize that about fluoride, I know it really helps with preventing tooth decay, not that dogs have to worry about that.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

So xylitol is the only sweetener we have to worry about? Didn't realize that about fluoride, I know it really helps with preventing tooth decay, not that dogs have to worry about that.

People are just wondering if using something so toxic to prevent tooth decay is in our best interest... And in the case of dogs (and babies) who don't spit on command, it's a definite no-no. Notice baby toothpaste won't have fluoride in it...

Xylitol is the only one I'm aware of. The ASPCA would be a good site to check. Sorbitol is fine (CET actually contains sorbitol).

[Taryn0405]

I jumped on this article because I noticed that Gizmo's back teeth actually had what I thought a decent amount of tartar on them even though we try to brush everyday. Don't get me wrong, there have been a few days that I forgot. But it was only one day that I missed, then the next I got right back on. I'm hoping his teeth are alright.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

People are just wondering if using something so toxic to prevent tooth decay is in our best interest... And in the case of dogs (and babies) who don't spit on command, it's a definite no-no. Notice baby toothpaste won't have fluoride in it...

Xylitol is the only one I'm aware of. The ASPCA would be a good site to check. Sorbitol is fine (CET actually contains sorbitol).

I can speak as someone, who didn't have it in their drinking water, and my cavities had cavities. Seriously, we went to the dentist twice a year and brushed. My son's, on the other hand, hardly had any cavities. The problem with fillings, as you get older, they crack and have to be replaced, and they have to drill even a bigger hole to replace, eventually that wears out and of course a crown has to be placed on it. I think if you haven't had a cavity, you'll have a much better chance of preventing that. Of course you have to keep the gums healthy too. There would really be no reason to give fluoride to a baby that I can think of.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I can speak as someone, who didn't have it in their drinking water, and my cavities had cavities. Seriously, we went to the dentist twice a year and brushed. My son's, on the other hand, hardly had any cavities. The problem with fillings, as you get older, they crack and have to be replaced, and they have to drill even a bigger hole to replace, eventually that wears out and of course a crown has to be placed on it. I think if you haven't had a cavity, you'll have a much better chance of preventing that. Of course you have to keep the gums healthy too. There would really be no reason to give fluoride to a baby that I can think of.

It's an interesting read. I've had fluoride in my drinking water and still don't have great teeth. I'm not sure that the doubt is that it doesn't work. It seems to. The question is whether the side effects from over exposure (as in drinking it daily) are worth it. I think everybody would freak out if they poured lead in our drinking water for some possible benefit and it is less toxic... Anyway, that is for another thread.