Abstract: A toothbrush adapted to conform to the shape of the canine jaw and the teeth therein. The toothbrush includes a handle of suitable length to which are attached at least three rows of bristles, wherein a portion of the central row is shorter than the adjacent outer rows thereby defining an axial trough. The ends of the bristles for engaging the teeth define a contour having a peak adjacent to the end of the handle formed of at least one tuft of bristles from each row, a depression adjacent to the peak formed by at least the two outer rows of bristles, and a uniform slope increasing in height to the neck of the handle. The bristles are arranged in tightly clustered tufts which contribute to the stiffness and durability thereof. The shape of the brush promotes the simultaneous cleaning of the cuspid-type and molar-type teeth in the long narrow canine jaw.

Abstract: Method and composition are provided for the care of teeth and the reduction of dental treatment for carnivorous pets, particularly canines. A mildly abrasive, substantially neutral or mildly basic, meat flavored, particularly beef flavored, dentrifice is employed. The dentrifice is found to be acceptable to the animal, causes no harmful effects on ingestion, and greatly reduces the need of a veterinarian's scaling of the pet's teeth.