Bacterial plaque settles on your pet’s teeth in a few hours, and in a few days, it mineralizes and turns into tartar. As a result, to avoid tartar formation, you should brush your teeth at least once a day, every day.
Now, let us discuss about the types of toothbrushes to brush your pet’s teeth.
Manual Toothbrushes
They differ according to the type of bristles, which must be strictly soft, and the size of the head, which must be proportionate to the size of the teeth. The bristles must be operated with movements parallel to the gum, aimed at removing bacterial plaque from the gingival groove. At narrow interdental spaces (between the incisors, and between the molars) movements must also be perform.
Electric toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual ones in removing plaque, and therefore in preventing and/or slowing the appearance of gingivitis and periodontitis.
The action of electric toothbrushes creates a liquid turbulence, formed by water, saliva and toothpaste, which causes the microfilm of bacterial plaque to break down, also reaching the interdental spaces.
An electric motor rotates the head from 4500 to 9000 times per minute, and generates vibrations with a frequency between 200-400 Hz, equal to 2000-24000 oscillations per minute. It is enough to exert light pressure on the teeth during cleaning, because an excessive one would damage the gums. The effectiveness of these toothbrushes has been widely demonstrated.
Ultrasonic Electric Toothbrushes
Ultrasonic toothbrushes work according to a similar principle, but reach much higher frequencies, which translates into a very high number of oscillations per minute.
The frequency is not audible to the human ear, and the movements are not visible, so it seems that the toothbrush does nothing. Instead, these invisible oscillations not only remove plaque from the tooth, but thoroughly clean the interdental spaces thanks to the microbubbles that form in the mixture of saliva and toothpaste.
These toothbrushes are approved for safe use on people and are recommended to use them at LEAST TWICE A DAY in order to achieve appreciable results.
There is no documentation relating to the use on animals, which are instead able to perceive the sound emitted by these frequencies and may be bothered by it. It is also obvious that occasional or occasional use is not effective and does not produce any lasting effect. Less than ever, it is able to remove tartar from the surface of the teeth or, more importantly, the sub-gingival tartar.
Ultrasonic electric toothbrushes also appear to have a bactericidal effect. The advantages of using an electric toothbrush are:
The results are not closely related to manual skills. In fact, it is enough to place the toothbrush on the tooth because the head makes a series of rotations and oscillations that facilitate cleaning.
It is not necessary to open your pet’s mouth, it may be enough to raise the lip and tuck the toothbrush between the cheek and the teeth, and just rest it at the height of the gums. It is enough to exert a slight pressure. With time and patience, you will gain sensitivity and dexterity.
The hands are freer and our posture more relaxed, as a result the maneuver is less
stressful for us and our animal.
Remember to start very gradually, and always give a tasty prize at the end.
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