Even animals need the occasional oral check-up and - unlike most dentist-despising kids - some residents at a Victorian Zoo are welcoming it.
Keepers have trained hippos, lions and a cheetah at Werribee Open Range Zoo to voluntarily open their mouths using special hand cues.
Akin to children receiving a lollipop after seeing the doctor, the animals are rewarded with their favourite food once they open up and say "ahh".
It doesn't always make for pretty viewing, especially with the hippos, but allows the staff to monitor oral health and brush or clean their teeth if need be.
Animal training co-ordinator Kelly Hobbs said the stress-free approach to oral care stemmed from months of ongoing training, positive reinforcement and trust-building.
"This trained behaviour allows us to get a really good look at the animals' oral and body health," she said on Wednesday.
"It's done in a way that's safe for both keepers and animals, and builds a really nice trusting relationship between them."
The open-mouth training is just one of the several methods Werribee Zoo keepers are using to provide less intrusive care for its creatures.
Ms Hobbs said inviting animals to take part in their own health care can lead to better long-term health and lower stress levels.
