How do you brush your doodle's teeth?

[Willow and J]

I've look through using Search but didn't come up with "how" do you brush your dog's teeth, so I wanted to ask what you do. 

1. Do you make your dog sit? Is there a better position for holding the dog?

2. Is there an order (back to front? side to side?)

3. What do you do with her/his tongue licking the toothpaste?

4. How long do you brush his/her teeth?

I saw one video of someone brushing her dog's teeth, and it was pretty much like what I do except I usually make Willow sit and I position myself at the back of her, and this was easier to keep her sitting the whole time. But, whatever I do, toothbrushing turns into a comic episode - I more or less think of it as Willow's chance to eat the toothpaste. I can hear her saying "Why bother, Mommy? Just squeeze the tube into my mouth!"

It's probably better than nothing, but I can't think this is going to make that much difference. Any tips to make toothbrushing more effective?

BTW, I did find discussions on PetzLife, and I was curious if that can replace brushing teeth?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have to check out Slurp N Fresh. Good tip.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I've often thought about starting a good teeth brushing hygiene with Spud. The thought scares me. This is a doodle, who walks by a brush or comb and growls and barks.
I'm wondering since he always has laundry in his mouth ( he does not chew the laundry, but constantly has a piece to carry around) if this might be just enough to keep his teeth safe.
Because of his mouthing, his canines are already rounded down with wear and noted at our last vet visit. Dunno?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Joanne maybe you could try what I am planning as my next step with Tara. Since Spud likes the feel of fabric in his mouth try brushing with a piece of gauze or terrycloth wrapped around your finger. It might be more of a game for him??? I am just starting with the front teeth and slowly acclimating her to being comfortable with more and more. Taking it very slowly.  Tara likes the feel of my hand in her mouth so I am starting with just my fingers but plan to move to the gauze eventually for more friction. No way would she tolerate a toothbrush. When we did her genetic testing it required swabbing her mouth with  what looked like a giant q-tip. She completely FREAKED! So that gave me a clue about how well she would respond to tooth brushing!!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

They also have finger covers with ridges that you can use.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Here is some info from a dental vet site. It mentions the little finger brush for dogs under 30 pounds. And they make it sounds so easy!! I think the dog's eye say it all! LOL

Step one is to pick an appropriate pet toothbrush. Save yourself time by not buying a child's toothbrush, which is usually too hard for dogs. The ideal dog toothbrush will have a long handle, an angled head to better fit the mouth, and extra soft bristles. For dogs less than 30 pounds, the finger toothbrush that fits over the tip of your finger works well.

Step two is to select an appropriate toothpaste. The best pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help control plaque. Try to avoid toothpastes with baking soda, detergents, or salt that are sometimes found in human pastes. Fluoride may be incorporated to help control bacteria. Rather than placing the paste on top of the brush, incorporate it between the bristles. This allows the paste to spend the most time next to the teeth and gums.

Step three is to get the brush with paste into your dog's mouth to get all the teeth brushed.

Most dogs accept brushing if they are approached in a gentle manner. If you can start when they are young, it's quite easy, but even older pets will accept the process. Start slowly; you can use a washcloth or piece of gauze to wipe the teeth, front and back in the same manner you will eventually be using the toothbrush. Do this twice daily for about two weeks and your dog should be familiar with the approach. Then take the pet toothbrush, soak it in warm water and start brushing daily for several days. When your dog accepts this brushing, add the pet toothpaste.

Most attention should be given to the outside of the upper teeth. The toothbrush bristles should be placed at the gum margin where the teeth and gums meet at a 45 degree angle. The movement should be in an oval pattern. Be sure to gently place the bristle ends into the area around the base of the tooth as well as into the space between the teeth. Ten short back and forth motions should be completed, then the brush moved to a new location. Cover three to four teeth at a time.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

AHHH-Brainstorm-put the toothpaste IN the bristles so they don't lick it all off!!

I too love the dog's eyes!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't follow the brushing rules for my own teeth : )

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Now that you mention it neither do I!

[Willow and J]

"Save me, Mama~~~" :D

This is a nice step-by-step instruction. Thank you! 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Nice idea, Ricki.  That sounds like a great plan

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I brush Ollie's and Cubbie's teeth every night right before bed.  I use a soft child's toothbrush (I think Seasame Street right now) and an enzymatic dog toothpaste.  I sit on the floor facing them and try to keep them in a sitting position.  It gets a little more difficult when they lay down because they can then block their faces with their paws.  I start on one side with the top back and then do the bottom back and the rest of that side.  I move to the other side and once I'm done there I pop open their mouth and get the inside or the molars (I just can't seem to keep them clean).  Both dogs tolerate the process pretty well and I can have both of them done in less than 10 minutes. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Amy, you are an awesome Doodle Mom!  I'm not disciplined enough to go through the "Murph antics" every night...I'm going to get better.  You've given me inspiration.