The areas that you really need to brush are the outer surfaces, especially on the upper teeth. The inner surfaces almost never get tartar. Due to the tongue I think. If you aren't trying to brush on the inside, that cuts WAY down on the amount that they can chew on the brush. Brushing the outer surface of the upper teeth is really easy, just use a finger in the corner of the lip to pull back and expose the teeth. The rest of that hand helps hold the dog's head.
Tooth paste really isn't technically necessary, but if you use it your dog will be much more cooperative because they like the taste. That right there is worth the price IMHO. You don't need to use much at all. Another thing toothpaste does is get your dog licking. As the jaws open and close, that gives you a chance to brush the outer surfaces of the lower teeth. Once a dog is pretty cooperative with the whole process, I do go after the upper rear molars more. Just as the dog is licking I will go after it with the brush right below the molar with the bristles pointing up.
The teeth cleaning treats aren't that effective, or nutritious. Bones (raw) can really keep their teeth clean, except they don't work on the top of the canines.
Tooth paste really isn't technically necessary, but if you use it your dog will be much more cooperative because they like the taste. That right there is worth the price IMHO. You don't need to use much at all. Another thing toothpaste does is get your dog licking. As the jaws open and close, that gives you a chance to brush the outer surfaces of the lower teeth. Once a dog is pretty cooperative with the whole process, I do go after the upper rear molars more. Just as the dog is licking I will go after it with the brush right below the molar with the bristles pointing up.
The teeth cleaning treats aren't that effective, or nutritious. Bones (raw) can really keep their teeth clean, except they don't work on the top of the canines.
