Pet Dental Tools

Regular pet dental care protects a pet from oral ailments, gum disease and bad breath. If you notice excessive drooling, chronic bad breath, inflamed gums and loose teeth, set an appointment for your pet to see a veterinarian to deal with its dental needs. In between visits, you can help maintain your pet's oral health with a proper diet and plenty of dental tools.

  1. Tools For the Teeth

    • The most essential tool used to clean pet teeth is a toothbrush -- a toothbrush specifically designated for dogs or cats as recommended by a veterinarian. Refrain from using human toothbrushes because the bristles can be too harsh on its teeth. Dental sponges and cloths, which are sold at most pet stores, can be applied to the owner's finger and rubbed across the canine's teeth. These tools may be used to supplement toothbrushes if the pet is too uncomfortable with brushes.

    Enamel Health

    • Enamel is the hardest tissue in the mammalian body, but is also subject to chipping if weakened from inadequate cleaning, according to Pet Health, a pet health care resource website. Excessive tartar buildup can damage this protective barrier, resulting in a host of dental ailments, such as cavities. A pet tooth scaler can be used to scrape away this tartar buildup on the surface of teeth, below the gum line, and between the teeth. This can be done between veterinarian dental visits and treatments.

    Dental Toys

    • Specialized chew toys offer several functions that assist in good dental health. Some toys that are shaped like bones or balls have minute bristled attached to them. When pet toothpaste is applied to the toy, the pet chews on it and the bristles help to remove grime and plaque on the teeth. Gnawing on chew toys also helps to massage a pet's gums and aides in keeping its teeth clean by scraping away soft tartar. The most appropriate chew toys are toxin-free rawhide, nylon and rubber.

    Dental Hygiene Foods

    • Feeding your pet dental dry foods can prevent plaque and tartar. Most of these treats come in the form of small kibbles containing traces of calcium, vitamin C and E and anti-oxidant properties that dissolve plaque, cleanse the tongue and naturally freshen breath.