The boys came through their dental with flying colors (I was a basket case, but that’s a different story). Hopefully, they shouldn’t need dentals again for several years.

I do brush their teeth, as I mentioned. Brushing teeth is as important for our animals as it is for us. Simba and Chester are no problem; they think eating the toothbrush is great fun and they’d both come back for seconds if given the opportunity.

Gizmo is a challenge. I used to be able to brush his teeth, too, but somewhere along the line he became real skittish about it. It’s even harder, now, because he hangs out in his crate at night instead of hanging with us.

I’ve taken to using my finger to brush Gizmo’s teeth. I put some toothpaste on my finger, and let his start by licking some of it. Then I gently try to wipe it onto his teeth. It’s not as effective as brushing, but it’s better than nothing.

Since I use an enzymatic toothpaste, it’s supposed to have some benefits even from just coming in contact with the teeth.

Of course, Gizmo is a gentle soul (to us, anyway — the vet tech might have a different tale to tell), so I don’t have to worry about losing any fingers.

Most animals, though, go nuts over the poultry-flavored CET toothpaste. Both Simba & Chester would happily line up for seconds. Many vets carry it, but you can buy it online, too. When people say they have trouble brushing their animals’ teeth, my first thought is toothpaste.

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