Teeth cleaning

[loveyorkies47]

Hi All, I am a new Yorkie mom for 2 weeks. I have a 11 week old, tiny Yorkie. I have been trying to brush her teeth with the rubber finger brush as well as a little tooth brush and it seems to be impossible. Her mouth is so small and she wiggles so much that I just can't do it. I am feeding her hard kibble and I have given her chew toy's but I know that isn't enough to clean her teeth. Has anyone else had this problem and have they come up with a solution?

[T Doll]

My little guy is really fussy about teeth cleaning, too. I gave up on tooth brushes and finger brushes because it was just impossible. Instead of the brushes, my vet said you can get some guaze or a rough terry cloth (like the ones you get at the dollar store), wrap it around your finger and rub his teeth. You can also use dental wipes, which is pretty much the same idea. I got some Petkin dental wipes from Wal Mart. This worked for Mocha, 'cause he doesn't mind having my fingers in his mouth, but he hated bigger objects like the brushes. I also use a metal scraping tool to scrap off extra debris/tartar.

[GeorgieMama]

Wish i could help, but, i find myself in the same predicament. they are just so tiny and wormy that u really can't hold them down and use force. i just sorta gave up and give her plenty of things to chew on, like bully sticks, toys etc.. Right now, Maddie is only 5mo and hasn't lost all her baby teeth yet, so, i am not so worry, but, when her permanent teeth comes in, i'd have to just endure the scratching and fighting and hopefully, she'd be a bit bigger by then. Good luck w/your baby!

[Dara311]

Originally Posted by loveyorkies47

Hi All, I am a new Yorkie mom for 2 weeks. I have a 11 week old, tiny Yorkie. I have been trying to brush her teeth with the rubber finger brush as well as a little tooth brush and it seems to be impossible. Her mouth is so small and she wiggles so much that I just can't do it. I am feeding her hard kibble and I have given her chew toy's but I know that isn't enough to clean her teeth. Has anyone else had this problem and have they come up with a solution?

Typically, if you are feeding dry food and giving her chew does, that should be enough for teeth cleaning right now. She is young, and probably won't need to be brushed that much. I would suggest, which you are already doing, but the finger brush is good, however, if her mouth is that small, just wash your hands real well, and try using your finger! I have never brushed Fiona's teeth and she will be 11 months tomorrow, and I"m bias of course, but she has gorgeous white teeth, and all I give to her is dry food, pigs ears, greenies, and chew toys! I really think that it's genetics too with teeth, but try using your finger!!!!

[Dara311]

ps. It just hit me that your puppy will be loosing these teeth soon, so when the adult teeth start coming in, then you can start really brushing and getting used to it!!!!!

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by loveyorkies47

Hi All, I am a new Yorkie mom for 2 weeks. I have a 11 week old, tiny Yorkie. I have been trying to brush her teeth with the rubber finger brush as well as a little tooth brush and it seems to be impossible. Her mouth is so small and she wiggles so much that I just can't do it. I am feeding her hard kibble and I have given her chew toy's but I know that isn't enough to clean her teeth. Has anyone else had this problem and have they come up with a solution?

You're right.
Kibble and chew toys aren't enough to keep teeth clean for most dogs.

I can try a dental rinse or dental chews.
You could also feed a prescription diet as she gets older that is designed to remove plaque but the ingredients aren't something I'd want to give.

I'd continue to work on brushing them. It is the best method.