(Sm. dog owners) What do you use to brush teeth?

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

Missie has her teeth professionally cleaned once a year, and the vet often asks in between if I'm able to brush her teeth. In the past I've never been able to, but Missie is finally mellowing in her old age (and I've become a better owner in handling these things!), so I'd like to try to start brushing her teeth regularly. Will also be good prep for when I get a Greyhound.

I was reading the Ex-Racing Greyhounds for Dummies book in a book store and the author recommended microfiber (?) cloths. Said they use them for everything, including teeth brushing. I bathed Missie the other night, and remembering that I'd read that, tried using her towel to brush her teeth. The towel was too rough (duh me, I should've wet it first, and promptly did so when I saw some blood on the towel), but it worked well (I couldn't SEE the difference in her teeth, but there was yellow stuff coming off on the towel). But it got me to wondering what's the easiest, most effective way to brush little dog's teeth? And is toothpaste necessary/better in removing the plaque (sp?) and such?

I have a finger toothbrush somewhere, but wondered if it really did anything because the bristles are so pliable and soft. Also have a toothbrush with a big and little end, and neither end worked well in Missie's mouth. So, suggestions? Recommendations?

I've been looking for bones for her (and she gets Dentabones often, normally. Which do work), but she can't have them right now because we're on a food trial for her allergies. Thanks for all help!!

[britishbandit]

I don't have small dogs now, but every dog I've ever owned, I've used gauze to wipe their teeth. It's amazing how much you can pick up with that. And generally the dogs are more accpeting of that than a toothbrush!

[calgal]

I brush all four of my dogs teeth every night after the last meal or snack. I was useing Pro Dental tooth paste from PetEdge, but has found I could make it a lot cheaper and it really works even better. (not to mention my dogs LOVE it). Here is the recipe:

30 ml (6 tsp) baking soda
1.5 ml (1/3 tsp) salt
20 ml (4 tsp.) glycerin
10 ml (2 tsp) bw sodium beef broth

Mix all ingredients thoroughly & store paste refrigerated in an airtight container.

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

But what do you use with the toothpaste Calgal? I mean how do you get it on the teeth to brush? lol

British- thanks!! Do you remember where you bought it? Like do you go through it often enough it's better to buy in bulk?

[calgal]

I buy tiny tooth brushes made for really small kids.

[britishbandit]

I just buy the gauze at the local drug store, in boxes. You don't have to use a lot at once, I use enough to wrap around my index finger a new piece for the top and bottom teeth. You don't use a lot to need to buy in bulk, but if it's available for a good price, why not!