Brushing pet's teeth: What do you think?

I saw a message in another thread about bad breath...one of the replies from a member was that they didn't beleive in brushing a pet's teeth becuase it can irritate the gum? Personally I brush my dogs teeth...It prevents bad breath and gingervitis and other gum diseases. Some dogs do have sensitive gums just like people, however, most tolerate it well. And done properly and with the right tools It shouldn't bother them too much. Don't forget a dog's teeth also double as their hands so they are even undermore stress...What do you think?

I think whoever thinks it's a bad idea to brush a dogs teeth should try NOT brushing their own teeth for say......12 years and see what they feel like!

ddmom...the original reply was under the heading of "bad breath" in the cat section. So I started this one..