Just like humans, cats can develop dental diseases. A daily tooth brushing routine will help maintain your cat's oral health into their senior years. In this post, our Franklin vets discuss what you should know about cleaning your cat's teeth.
Why is teeth cleaning important for cats?
Teeth cleaning is important for cats because it helps prevent dental disease, which can lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss. Cats are prone to plaque and tartar buildup, which can eventually cause gingivitis and periodontal disease if left untreated. Regular teeth cleaning can help remove this buildup and prevent these serious oral health issues.
In addition, dental disease in cats can also lead to other health problems, such as heart disease and kidney disease. By maintaining your cat's good oral hygiene through regular teeth cleaning, you can help ensure your feline companion lives a longer, healthier life.
Taking Your Cat for Annual Dental Checkups
Cats should have a dental checkup and teeth cleaning as part of their annual wellness exam. During the appointment, your vet will assess your cat's oral health along with their overall physical health and recommend professional veterinary dental cleaning or surgery, if required.
During the cleaning, the vet will remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish the teeth, and address any potential issues such as tooth decay or gum disease. Regular dental checkups can help prevent serious dental problems and ensure your cat's overall health and well-being.
How to Clean Your Cat's Teeth at Home
It's a cat owner's responsibility to keep their four-legged friend's teeth as clean and healthy as possible. To that end, our vets recommend implementing a daily oral health and dental care routine to prevent plaque and tartar from building up between cleanings, and getting your kitty used to having their teeth brushed.
As you might imagine, easing your cat into this routine may take a bit of trial and error, so you'll want to wait until she's calm and relaxed before trying these steps:
- Gently lift the lips and use your finger to massage your cat's teeth and gums for a few seconds.
- Keep your expectations simple when you start – you may only reach one or two teeth the first few times you try this. Stop before she becomes too annoyed.
- Shower your kitty with lots of praise and a yummy treat after your teeth-and-gum massage. Your goal here is to build your cat's tolerance to the experience, gradually increasing the length of time you spend on this task.
- Once your cat has become used to having their teeth and gums regularly, you can gradually introduce a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for cats (never use your own toothpaste, as it contains ingredients that are toxic to our feline companions). Look for flavors that appeal to them, such as chicken or beef.
- Start with the brushing as gradually as you did the teeth-and-gum massage; your cat may begin with licking just a small dab of toothpaste from your finger (you may even have the opportunity to test a few different flavors). Find a brush that has soft bristles made for cats’ delicate gums.
While some cat owners find success with a small piece of soft gauze, others find a finger brush works for their felines. Still others apply dental gel with the toothbrush or a finger, and have the gel do the work for them.
Whether you use teeth brushing, special treats or food, chew toys or drinking water additives, there are several products out there that can help with keeping your cat’s teeth clean. Of course, they’ll also need a regular professional dental cleaning performed by a qualified veterinarian to keep their teeth in tip-top condition.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.