Question about brushing cat's teeth

I went to the pet store today and bought some a starter kit for brushing cats teeth. Now my Muffin is ten years old, never had this done to him. So I need some suggestions on how to start or is it just going to be an impossible thing with an adult cat.

Start by just putting a little of the tooth paste on your finger and rubbing it on your cat's teeth. That kit probably came with a little finger brush, too. You can move up to using that in a couple weeks and stick with it, or move to using a brush later on.

I am introducing Muffin to teeth brushing. He is ten years old. Actually he loves the taste and so far he is tolerating the brushing on his front teeth. I haven't tried the finger brush yet. I think it is coming along well considering he is an adult cat who never had to put up with this before. He is a sweetheart anyway and purrs everytime you pick him up. My vet said he is the only cat he has ever seen who purrs while he gets a needle stuck in him.

unless it is an enzymatic veterinary toothpaste such as c.e.t. there is really no benefit to using it.

get some c.e.t. toothpaste then follow these instructions!

(how I trained my cats to accept home mouth care):

I started by just getting them used to me rubbing my finger lightly along their lip line, either side. Most cats like this any way. (if you are planning to use a brush, you might start this with the brush. I have always just used my finger)

While doing this, I was putting the c.e.t. toothpaste on a paw for them to lick off, and get used to the taste. (they actually like it!)

This helps them associate the finger (or brush) rubbing along the mouth with the taste of the c.e.t.

Then, I started making the action more purposeful, putting them in the "holding position", which is: me on my knees, feet crossed behind me, cat between my knees facing out.

Using a little more pressure which parts the lips, I'd be rubbing their teeth and gums instead of the lips, while they get used to me restraining them while doing it. After the action, again, putting a little paste on the paw.

So now they are associating the action with the taste of the c.e.t.

From there, I put the c.e.t. toothpaste on my finger, hold them in position, and rub it into their teeth and gums.

This was a bit messy, so lately I've learned to use my other hand to kind of pry open the lips so I can make direct contact with the molars and gumline.

All this took time of course, but cats can get used to any sort of handling if it's done gradually and gently enough.

Oh,I forgot to mention..I always wash my hands before starting and between each cat.

I bought Petrodex Enzymatic toothpaste at the pet store in my town. Muffin likes the taste of it and he is letting me do the front teeth very well. I am going real slow trying to get to his back teeth. But I think it is going well.