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Comment by Rachael & Waffle on November 11, 2009 at 1:09am

Chlorhexidine is a very good chemical. :] I had to use a chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse after I had my gums gouged out (long story...) It's a safe antiseptic and prevents all sorts of infections. I didn't know they made chews with chlorhexidine in them, but based on my experience with the chemical, I would recommend them. I also saw a chlorhexidine gluconate mouth spray at PetSmart specifically for dogs. I would recommend this also. It's a good daily preventative of gingivitis, but it's also magical in case Romeo were to get a cut in his mouth or something. I think the one downside is that it can discolor teeth, but this doesn't happen to everyone--it's just a possible side effect. You should definitely use a dog-friendly toothpaste. Mint toothpaste can be harsh even on my mouth sometimes. I can't imagine a chicken flavored one being turned down by any dog, though!

Comment by Rachel & Romeo on November 10, 2009 at 11:54pm

nice idea potus. I think Romeo don't like the toothpaste i use. Mint flavor and i thought i had to rinse his mouth so i would try to rinse his mouth. i think i scared him...

Comment by Jennifer Markley on November 10, 2009 at 11:47pm

When Seanna and I took her puppy class, she taught us to put them on their backs in between our legs to practice the "submissive" position. It worked wonders. She is two and a half, and I put her in that position still to dremel her nails, trim the hair between her pads, and do her ears and teeth. She doesn't fight, and if she squirms a little (which is rare) I can easily handle her to calm her down again.
My vet also recommended the Chlor-Hexadine chews, and they are working wonders on getting off the tarter she does have built up!

Comment by Alex on November 10, 2009 at 8:06pm

We started brushing Kenji's teeth ever since he was 8 weeks old. I think the first few times he tried resisting it. We just pinned him down and brushed his teeth. We don't yell at him or anything like that. Just firmly held him down. Now at 5 months old he pretty much lays down when I pull out the toothbrush and toothpaste. We brush his teeth daily.

Comment by Alex on November 10, 2009 at 7:54pm

Dee Dee was not so lucky... :( She had to have root canal done when she was about 3 or 4 yrs old.

She now gets her teeth brushed every other day. She still gets lots of plaque & will bleed a lot if I forget to do it for a couple of days. She didn't like the brushing at first, but she really loves the taste of the tooth paste. You can try exploring different flavors, and start with just putting tooth paste on your finger & sticking it in his mouth. Dee Dee doesn't like her K9 and forward getting brushed, but doesn't mind the ones in the back. So I go back & forth to avoid staying the area she dislikes for long time. She also gets a little dab of extra paste after brushing... as a reward. :) Good luck, and I hope yours is like Potus who is lucky & not have to deal with teeth issue.

Comment by Potus on November 10, 2009 at 5:15pm

I think I've posted this on a similar discussion, but I don't brush Potus's teeth, i never have. He is the type of dog who HATES it so instead a lot of his toys and treats are dental related, from Greenies for fresh breath to DentaBones and a chew rope that acts like floss (even has that minty smell). He is one and at his yearly vet check up they said he has excellent teeth.