Brushing your cat’s teeth regularly is an important part of keeping her healthy. Dental care is important for cats just as it is for humans. Unfortunately, many cat owners don’t realize this and don’t provide their cats with the dental care they need. This can lead to a number of problems down the road, including gum disease, tooth decay, and even loss of teeth. In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about cat dental care treatment. We’ll cover topics such as brushing your cat’s teeth, providing dental treats and toys, and what to do if your cat has dental problems.
What Is Good Dental Maintenance for Cat Teeth?
Like human teeth, good dental maintenance for cats includes brushing their teeth regularly. Make sure to brush all of your cat’s teeth, not just the apparent ones. Use a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste or a rag and water to remove oral plaque.
In addition to brushing, you should also provide your cat with dental treats and toys. By scraping away plaque and tartar accumulation, dental treats help keep your cat’s teeth clean. Dental toys also help keep your cat’s teeth healthy by providing them with something to chew on.
How to Know If My Cat Has Dental Problems?
If you notice that your cat is having trouble eating, drooling more than usual, or has bad breath, it’s possible that they are experiencing dental problems. In this case, you should take them to the vet for a check-up. The vet will be able to tell if your cat has gum disease, tooth decay, or other dental issues.
How Often Should My Cat’s Teeth Be Cleaned Professionally?
The American Veterinary Dental Society recommended that cats get their teeth properly cleaned at least once a year will help their cat’s oral health and prevent other diseases. If your cat has dental issues, it may need to be cleaned more frequently. Consult your veterinarian about how frequently your cat’s teeth should be cleaned.
Common Diseases in Cat Teeth
There are a few common diseases that can affect cat teeth including:
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Abscesses
- Plaque build-up
- Gingivitis
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth loss
- Mouth sores and ulcers
- Feline Resorptive Lesions
Gum Disease
This is the most prevalent dental issue in cats. It can be caused by plaque and tartar buildup, incorrect diet, or underlying health problems that are not good for a cat’s mouth. Bad breath, inflamed and swollen gums, difficulty eating, and tooth loss are all signs of gum line disease. Persistent halitosis can indicate severe periodontal disease, which will require treatment.
Without dental care, plaque hardens into tartar. Tartar attaches to the teeth along the gum line and beneath the tooth roots. It gradually progresses to periodontal disease, a painful illness that needs veterinary dental treatment. If untreated, advanced periodontal disease might result in Feline Tooth Resorption.
Tooth Decay
Cats’ teeth deterioration is also prevalent. Bacteria that collect on the teeth as a result of inadequate dental care might cause it. Bacteria will eat away at the enamel of the teeth, causing tooth decay. Symptoms of tooth decay include bad breath, yellowed or brownish teeth, pain when chewing, and swelling around the jawbone.
Abscesses and Cysts
These are two of the most frequent dental issues in cats. An abscess is a pus-filled cavity that forms when an infection affects the teeth or gums. A tooth with an abscessed pulp has pain, swelling, and drainage from the affected area.
Plaque Build-Up
This is another frequent dental issue in cats. Bacteria produce plaque, which forms a sticky film on the teeth. If plaque isn’t cleaned properly with a toothbrush and dental supplements/toys, it will turn to tartar. Tartar can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems.
Gingivitis
This is an inflammatory condition of the gums that is caused by plaque accumulation. Gum disease’s early phases include gingivitis. Gingivitis symptoms include sore, inflamed gums, foul breath, and sensitivity to touch.
Periodontal
This disease is the most advanced stage of gum disease. It occurs when the gums and bones around the teeth are damaged. Gum redness and throbbing, poor breath, tooth loss, and jawbone recession are all signs of periodontal disease.
Cat Tooth Loss
This is a prevalent issue. Gingiva disease, tooth decay, and abscesses are all possible causes. Mouth sores and ulcers are other problems that can affect cat teeth. They are usually caused by bacteria or viruses and can lead to pain and difficulty eating.
Feline Resorptive Lesions
(FRLs) are a type of dental lesion that affects cats. The most common type of tooth sensitivity is enamel erosion caused by acids in the saliva. FRLs can lead to tooth decay and tooth-dropping.
How to Prevent Dental Disease in Cats
There are a few things you may do to prevent feline dental diseases.
- Brush your cat’s teeth with a toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste on a regular basis.
- Feed your cat wet food to keep their teeth clean.
- Provide your cat with dental treats and playthings to aid in the removal of plaque and tartar.
- Regular check-ups at the veterinarian are important to detect any dental issues early on.
Dental disease is a common problem in cats, but it can be prevented by following these simple tips given above. Dental chews and dental diets are more passive methods of preventing dental problems in your cat. If you’re having trouble getting your cat to cooperate when brushing its teeth, try using pet-safe toothpaste and a finger toothbrush. Dental health is as important in cats as it is in humans.
Cat Teeth Care At Home
Cats’ teeth care is very important. Although your cat may have had dental cleanings from the veterinarian, it is a good idea to brush your cat’s teeth at home. Cats need proper cat dental care when brushing their teeth at home because they will continue to accumulate plaque. So how can you get your cat to cooperate?
If your cat does not want to be touched by you, try using a toothbrush with a large handle. Your fingers won’t fit in the small reach of the mouth and this helps make brushing less scary for the kitty. Let your kitty sniff the toothbrush first so that he knows what it is (make sure it’s pet-safe). Once he accepts the brush, let him lick some of the toothpaste off of it.
After your cat licks some toothpaste off of the brush, start brushing gradually with a slow and gentle motion like only a kitty can only take. You may need to use lots of treats and positive reinforcement during this process because you will be brushing your teeth for the first time.
Don’t forget about the other side! Don’t miss any spots and be sure to check back in between each tooth on both sides of your cat’s mouth. If you’re having trouble reaching some areas, try using a rag damped with pet-safe toothpaste instead of a toothbrush, or buy those human finger toothbrushes that have an angled tip on one end that helps get into those small spaces.
Brushing your cat’s teeth is beneficial not only for your kitty’s teeth but also for you and your relationship. Brushing will result in fewer overall health problems and the chance of dental disease goes way down. Your kitty will certainly appreciate you more!
Conclusion
Proper dental care for your cat is critical to his or her overall health. You can help ensure that your favorite feline companion has healthy teeth and gums for years to come by following the suggestions in this article. Do you have any concerns about caring for your cat’s teeth? Let us know in the comments!
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Q. Is dental work on cats necessary?
Ans: Dental work on cats is not always necessary, but it is recommended that you take your cat for regular vet checkups to catch any dental problems early.
Q. What should I do if my cat doesn’t like her toothpaste?
Ans: The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has compiled a complete list of dental items that are safe for your cat. You can use this list to find a toothpaste that your cat might enjoy.
Q. Do cats need a yearly dental cleaning?
Ans: Cats do not need a yearly tooth cleaning, but it is recommended that you brush their teeth regularly with a toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste.
Q. Can cats get cavities?
Ans: Yes, cats can develop cavities. Bacteria that accumulate on the teeth as a result of poor oral hygiene cause the enamel of the teeth to decay.
Q. How much does dental work on a cat cost?
Ans: The cost of dental work on a cat can vary depending on the extent of the work that needs to be done. You should contact your vet for an estimate.
Q. Can you brush a cat’s teeth with human toothpaste?
Ans: No, it is not safe to brush a cat’s teeth with human toothpaste. The ingredients in human toothpaste can be harmful to cats. Pet-safe toothpaste is available at most pet stores.
Q. Are cats in pain after a dental cleaning?
Ans: Some cats may be in pain after a tooth cleaning, but this generally depends on the extent of the work that was done. Your vet will be able to tell you if your cat is likely to experience any discomfort after the procedure.
Q. How long does it take for a cat to recover from dental surgery?
Ans: Most cats will recover from dental surgery within a few days. However, you should check with your vet to get an accurate timeline for your cat’s specific procedure.