The Importance of Cat Dental Care
Like humans, cats can develop serious dental disease if their teeth are not properly cared for. Plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth causes inflammation and infection of the gums, known as gingivitis or periodontitis. This erodes the tissues around the teeth and exposes tooth roots, making chewing painful and teeth loose. Dental disease also allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially damaging internal organs like the heart, kidneys and liver.
Poor dental health not only causes discomfort and dental deterioration, but impacts your cat’s quality of life. Cats with dental problems often have trouble eating properly, leading to malnutrition, weight loss and low energy. The bacteria from gum infections also release toxins that make cats feel ill. Proper dental care is essential for your cat’s health and wellbeing. Preventative measures like brushing and professional cleanings can help avoid the problems that arise from neglected teeth. With vigilant dental care, your cat can enjoy healthy teeth and gums well into old age.
Signs Your Cat May Have Dental Problems
A cat’s teeth require care and maintenance just like ours do. Unfortunately, since cats can’t readily communicate pain or discomfort, dental disease often goes unnoticed in felines. Know what signs to look out for so you can get your cat the dental care they need.
Some common indicators that your cat may have dental problems include:
- Bad Breath – Stinky cat breath is not normal. Bad breath is usually a sign of plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and gums. This buildup leads to infection and tooth decay.
- Red or Inflamed Gums – Healthy gums should be pink. Red, swollen, or inflamed gums indicate infection or gingivitis. This painful condition requires veterinary treatment.
- Difficulty Eating or Chewing – If your cat is reluctant to eat, drops food, or chews only on one side, they may have an abscessed or damaged tooth causing pain. Cats are prone to resorptive lesions in their teeth as they age.
- Excessive Drooling – Drooling or pawing at the mouth can signal an abscessed tooth or oral pain. Some cats may even stop grooming if they have severe oral discomfort.
- Behavioral Changes – A cat in dental discomfort may hide more, seem depressed, or act grumpy or aggressive. Pay attention if your cat’s behavior seems off.
Cats are masters at hiding pain and discomfort. Don’t assume no news is good news when it comes to your cat’s dental health. Be proactive and watch for any of these signs of potential problems. A dental exam and cleaning at the vet can prevent minor issues from becoming major ones.
Regular Tooth Brushing
One of the best ways to care for your cat’s teeth is to brush them regularly. This helps remove plaque and tartar that can lead to dental disease.
When choosing a toothbrush, make sure to select a soft-bristled style designed specifically for pets. Human toothbrushes are too hard and can damage a cat’s gums. Special pet toothpaste is also recommended, as human toothpaste contains ingredients that can upset a cat’s stomach.
It’s ideal to introduce tooth brushing slowly and make it a positive experience. Start by letting your cat sample the pet toothpaste so they get accustomed to the taste. Gently lift your cat’s lips and rub the toothbrush against the teeth and gums. Over time, build up to brushing for 30-60 seconds on all sides.
Ideally, brushing your cat’s teeth daily is best. However, a minimum of several times per week can still make a difference in reducing plaque buildup and preventing dental disease. Cats may resist at first, but be patient and reward with treats. In time, most cats will tolerate short brushing sessions.
Regular tooth brushing is one of the most effective ways to care for your cat’s teeth at home. Investing some time in this routine can greatly benefit your cat’s dental and overall health.
Dental Treats and Chews
Dental treats and chews can be a good way to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth. When selecting dental treats or chews, look for ones that have earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance. This means that the product has gone through testing to show it is effective at reducing plaque and/or tartar.
Some examples of VOHC-accepted cat dental treats and chews include:
- Greenies Feline Dental Treats
- CET Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Cats
- Virbac C.E.T. Hextra Chews
The mechanical action of chewing on these treats and chews helps scrub away plaque and tartar. They also often contain ingredients like enzymes that help prevent plaque from sticking to the teeth. Dental treats and chews should be used as a supplement to regular toothbrushing, not a replacement. They help reduce tartar buildup between professional cleanings, but are not enough on their own to provide full dental care.
When giving dental treats or chews, follow package directions for the recommended frequency. Moderation is important, as too many treats can lead to weight gain. Work with your veterinarian to determine how often dental chews should be given based on your cat’s unique needs.
Dental Diets
Cats, like humans, can benefit from specially formulated dental diets that are designed to help clean teeth and reduce plaque buildup. Certain kibble textures and shapes are engineered to scrub teeth with each bite, helping to prevent tartar accumulation. These diets also often contain ingredients to support oral health, such as omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and polyphosphates that bind to plaque and slow mineralization.
Some dental diets have been clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar in cats. Studies have shown reductions upwards of 70-90% over several weeks when feeding only the dental diet. These formulas are typically only available through veterinarians. Ask your vet for a recommendation if you think a dental diet could benefit your cat’s oral health.
When transitioning to a dental diet, mix it gradually with your cat’s current food over a week or more. This allows their digestive system to adjust. Dental diets should be fed exclusively long-term for maximum effectiveness. Cats may resist new textures at first, but be patient. Proper dental care is essential for overall health.
Regular Veterinary Dental Cleanings
One important way to care for your cat’s teeth is to get regular professional cleanings at your veterinarian’s office. These thorough cleanings allow a much more complete cleaning than is possible to do at home.
Cats need to be under general anesthesia for a full veterinary dental cleaning. This allows the vet to do a careful exam of the teeth and under the gums, looking for any signs of disease or infection. X-rays are also commonly taken to check for issues under the gums or around the tooth roots. Being under anesthesia allows the vet to scale and polish all surfaces of the teeth thoroughly, getting into spaces that aren’t possible to clean on a conscious cat.
Veterinary dental cleanings are critical for cats with more advanced dental disease like resorptive lesions, tooth fractures or significant tartar build up. A professional cleaning can treat many of these issues early before they become major problems. Cleanings also greatly reduce bacteria and plaque in the mouth, helping prevent disease.
Most experts recommend annual veterinary dental cleanings once a cat is an adult to keep their teeth healthy. Some cats with dental problems may need cleanings more than once a year. It’s important to follow your vet’s recommendations for your individual cat. Professional cleanings are the gold standard for caring for a cat’s teeth and preventing issues.
Home Dental Rinses
Home dental rinses are liquid solutions that can be applied directly to your cat’s teeth and gums to help reduce bacteria. They often contain an antiseptic called chlorhexidine, which helps kill germs and provide mild disinfection of the mouth.
Using a dental rinse can help reduce plaque buildup on your cat’s teeth between regular brushings or veterinary cleanings. The rinse reaches parts of the mouth that may be missed with a toothbrush. It flows into crevices, coatings the teeth and gums.
Be sure to consult your veterinarian before using a dental rinse on your cat. Make sure the product is safe and get instructions on proper dosage and frequency of use. Monitor your cat during initial use in case they have any reaction. With your vet’s guidance, a dental rinse can be a helpful supplement to your cat’s oral care routine.
Other Tips for Healthy Teeth
Cats need objects to chew on to help keep their teeth clean and healthy. Provide sturdy chew toys, like ones made specifically for dental health. You can also offer safe, raw bones for your cat to gnaw on. The chewing action scrapes away tartar and plaque buildup.
Feed crunchy kibble formulated for dental health. The crunchy texture also helps scrub plaque and tartar off teeth as your cat chews. Avoid soft, canned foods since these don’t provide abrasive chewing.
Do not feed your cat sugary human foods like candy or baked goods. The sugar promotes bacterial growth and tooth decay. Stick to cat foods and treats formulated for feline health.
Always provide your cat with plenty of fresh, clean drinking water. Cats that don’t get enough water sometimes suffer from tooth resorption, a painful condition where the tooth structure dissolves.
Following dental best practices, bringing your cat in for regular vet cleanings, and avoiding sugary human foods will all help your feline maintain healthy teeth and gums. Chewing, crunchy diets, and lots of water are simple tips for good dental care at home.
Signs Your Cat Needs a Vet Visit
It’s important to regularly check your cat’s teeth and mouth for any concerning signs of dental disease or other oral health issues. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following signs:
- Loose or damaged teeth – This can be a sign of advanced periodontal disease, tooth resorption, or trauma. Cats can also fracture teeth while chewing on hard objects. Loose or damaged teeth need to be evaluated and treated by a vet.
- Swelling or growths in the mouth – Lumps, bumps, or growths in a cat’s mouth could indicate a serious issue like cancer or infection. Swelling under the tongue is also concerning. Don’t delay having any oral masses or swelling examined.
- Bleeding from the mouth – Bleeding from the mouth, lips, or face is an alarming sign warranting immediate veterinary care. Bleeding can result from advanced dental disease, oral tumors, or trauma. Determine the underlying cause.
- Difficulty eating – If your cat is reluctant to eat, seems painful when chewing, or is dropping food, dental problems are likely causing discomfort. Difficulty eating can also be a sign of oral cancer or other issues.
- Loss of appetite – An unwillingness to eat may signal your cat is in pain from their teeth or mouth. Cats who stop eating risk dangerous health consequences like hepatic lipidosis. Always have appetite changes evaluated promptly.
Don’t wait if you notice any of these symptoms – contact your vet right away. Prompt treatment will give your cat the best chance at recovery and relief from oral discomfort or disease. With early intervention, many dental issues can be successfully managed.
Preventive Care for Kittens
Taking care of your kitten’s teeth early is one of the best ways to prevent dental disease later in life. Here are some tips:
- Start brushing as young as 12 weeks old – Kittens have baby teeth that start coming in around 4 weeks old. You can start gently rubbing their teeth with a finger brush or piece of gauze around 12 weeks when they’re more comfortable with handling. This will get them used to having their mouth touched and set up good lifelong brushing habits.
- Schedule first vet dental exam early – Take your kitten for its first veterinary dental exam between 4-6 months old. The vet will check for any retained baby teeth that need to be pulled and let you know if there are any areas that need special attention brushing. Addressing any issues early prevents escalation.
- Establish healthy habits early – Feed a dental diet, offer safe chews, brush regularly, and schedule annual cleanings starting early. Kittens accept new routines more easily than adult cats. Starting good dental care habits right away makes them a normal part of your cat’s life and leads to better long-term health.
