We have four dogs, and I clean all their teeth myself. I save a ton of money and they never have doggie breath. The vet always compliments them on their squeaky-clean teeth, and says the dogs are healthier because their gums are in good condition.

I never had much luck brushing their teeth, so I bought a cleaning pick at the drug store. Every 4 or 5 months, and for sure before their vet visit, I clean all the tartar off their teeth. It's really quite rewarding to see the tartar come off in chunks, and see their shiny white teeth underneath.

The first time you try it, make the dog lie beside you on the sofa while you work, and keep sweet-talking all the while. Just clean a tooth or two for starters, then do some more the next day. Gradually they get used to it. (Oh, the indignity!) One of our dogs refuses to cooperate, so my husband holds her while I pick. The others tolerate it quite well, even though it's certainly not their favorite activity!

It's hard to describe how to do it, but it actually takes pressure on the tartar, more than just 'scraping'. Once you get a chunk to chip off, go for another chunk, until its all off right up to the gum line. The back molars are the most difficult, so practice first on one of the front teeth.

Good luck! It works, really!
:-Dot