How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth

Min try to show off her teeth and Nick....
Hey, Nick! What are you doing there?

1. Choose the right time and place when and where you and the cat feel calm and comfortable to perform the teeth cleaning.

2. Prepare tools and materials.

The most important thing is toothpaste / gel that is used to clean teeth. Toothpaste / gel can be obtained at the pet store, looking for that is not spicy / mint flavor, not overwhelming and safe if swallowed. Better yet toothpastes with flavors of food.

Brush for your cats theets are available in various types and brand ranging from finger taped up to consisting of 3 side brushes (can brush the outer tooth surfaces, inside and above at once). Using coarse cloth sewn / molded to resemble a "holster" for the index finger was enough. 

3. Familiarize cats with dental cleaning process.

Not every cat enjoys his teeth cleaned, especially for the first time. Cats who are accustomed of teeth cleaned since they kitten usually enjoy this cleansing process. In fact they feel uncomfortable when teeth are not cleaned.

Get used to his mouth opened.

Press the end of the second corner of the mouth with the middle finger and thumb. Other hand open / pull the front end of the lower jaw. Familiarize cats with this process once you get used to the technique. 

Alternatively you can also directly open the cheek from the side, without having to open the jaw. 

Familiarize toothpaste / gel and a touch of the finger on the teeth and gums.

Rub toothpaste throughout the surface of the tooth and the tooth-gum, massaging the part with fingers.

Get used to the touch of a toothbrush.

Having got used to the toothpaste and a touch of the finger on the teeth and gums, introduced with the new toothbrush. Once applied toothpaste, toothbrushes with circular movement.

At first it does not need all teeth brushed, enough canines and 1-2 side teeth. This process needs to be done every day in order to get used to. The next day, after more accustomed, the amount of teeth can be added or clean up the entire tooth.

4. Stop the process of brushing the teeth when the cat is still enjoying it. Once accustomed takes about 30 seconds to clean the teeth on the side. You do not need to be too worried about the cleanliness of the inner side of the teeth. Once in a while the inside does need to be cleaned. Tartar formation on the inner side is much slower than the outer side.

5. Stop immediately if the cat's teeth cleaning process is starting to look stressed. When forced, cat will be more difficult in control. Give an award of praise, caress or even his favorite food when the cat applies both when cleaning teeth.

6. In the beginning, the cleaning process can make you and your cat stress. Once familiar, the process has become fun. Good luck with brushing your cat's teeth!