It is best to start by letting your cat lick the toothpaste from your finger. Once they have shown interest, offer the paste from their toothbrush. Finally place the brush with paste in your cat’s mouth. It is best to start with the tooth brush on the outsides of the cheek teeth under the upper lip. After they are comfortable with this process, add the brushing motions.
Selecting a tooth brush and tooth paste
Each cat should have his or her own toothbrush. Proper toothbrushes are soft and angled in order to adequately reach the back teeth. Some cats prefer small finger brushes.
Human toothpastes contain abrasives and detergents and should not be used in cats as they will swallow the paste. There are many toothpaste flavors available and most cats seem to prefer the seafood or poultry-flavored types.
Proper brushing technique
Toothbrush bristles should be placed at a 45-degree angle where the gum and teeth meet. Using a gentle oval pattern and covering three to four teeth at a time, the bristles should be moved around the teeth. Ten short oval motions should be completed before moving the toothbrush to a new location in the mouth. The outside upper teeth do the most chewing and should get more attention.