Help with teeth brushing / uncooperative cat

My twelve year old cat recently had three teeth out, and has since recovered.   He hasn't been used to brushing in the past and while there has been some progress it's very slow going.

I've looked at all the guides I could find online but most of them show very compliant cats, relaxing like they're on summer holidays having someone leisurely work away at brushing.  My cat is very strong willed (not uncommon I suppose!) and I love him for it, but he will not cooperate.  He whips his head around as soon as anything touches his mouth and I feel like I might injure him if I'm more forceful.

Does anyone have any further tips on this?  I'm using the little brush and cat toothpaste from a kit.  I tried the little finger brush to no better results but will try again shortly.

The best I've managed so far is to push the toothpaste into the brush and have him gnaw away at it.  Or if I'm lucky, I can brush one tooth before he starts whipping his head around.

We're trying everything that I think it possible at the moment to keep his teeth clean including trying to get him used to brushing.  In the past he has had dental dry food and the vet has recommended get him to eat some of them again - at the moment is half can/half raw which was a big change and is going well. 

He won't touch bones, though will chew on the C.E.T chews that I got.  So it's really important that I'm able to brush his teeth as it's really the only option at the moment that will keep his teeth clean.

Side question:  I couldn't find much info on dental sprays.  Anyone have any experience with them?  Worthwhile to attempt?

On dental sprays. I had that discussion with my vet and she mentioned one that was Rx. I need to get back to her on that.

If you're getting gone tooth it's progress. If he's chewing on the brush with the CET on it that's good. We have good and bad days and we have OMGosh where did this spaz of a cat come from. I try and end on a clam note. The CET enzyme chews are good I wish my cats would eat them.

Kittens Mom said:

 We have good and bad days and we have OMGosh where did this spaz of a cat come from. I try and end on a clam note. The CET enzyme chews are good I wish my cats would eat them.

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This is the best video I've found.   They reinforce the idea of ending with a treat or something nice so they associate it with 'happy time'.  I'll have to add that in.  My cat really likes the toothpaste, it's just getting him to tolerate the brush is the big thing.   Pulling back at the corner of the mouth seems to expose the teeth well rather than trying to actually open the mouth.

 

hawaii500 said:

 
This is the best video I've found.   They reinforce the idea of ending with a treat or something nice so they associate it with 'happy time'.  I'll have to add that in.  My cat really likes the toothpaste, it's just getting him to tolerate the brush is the big thing.   Pulling back at the corner of the mouth seems to expose the teeth well rather than trying to actually open the mouth.

 

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The finger brushes were too big. I bought baby toothbrushes. My vet heartily approved of them when I brought them for show and tell. yes I load my purse down with all kinds of things when I go to the vet. I also opted for the Sanos sealant after Mook's cleaning and Mrecy's oral surgery.

So I've taken things very slowly, but have not had much progress.  He's familiar with the brush and will lick/gnaw the toothpaste of it, and likewise with just a finger which I can go so far as to rub on the front teeth for secs.  Trying to brush the other teeth and becomes aggravated pretty quickly.  Will keep tryiying...

If anyone has any further ideas or links to the more behaviroual aspect of tooth brushing anything might help.

thanks