HEY! To prevent tarter build-up on my doggies teeth I let them chew on something on one side of their mouth while I pull up the gum on the other side. Then I get a coin(a dime, etc.) and I scrap the tartar off the other side while their occupied. It works really well when you have doggies that hate toothpaste(or toothbrushes!) . It is cheap and effective and I recommend it to everyone! Just be sure to scrap lightly with the coin and dont hit their gums! We dont wont to hurt our little babies!!Hope I helped.(ps I read this method in a highly recommended doggie book).