The Importance of Cleaning Your Cat's Teeth
Cats typically try to hide pain they may be experiencing. You may not know your cat is suffering from significant dental pain until their physical discomfort has reached a level that they are unable to conceal any longer. Because of this, owners need to closely monitor and care for their cat's oral health and keep their feline friend's teeth clean.
By regularly examining and cleaning your cat's teeth, you'll increase the chances of detecting oral health issues early so you can help your cat avoid pain. Additionally, you may be able to reduce the risk of needing to pay for costly treatments like surgery to remove teeth damaged by dental disease.
Signs of Oral Health Issues in Cats
Are you worried that your cat may be displaying signs of oral health issues? If you notice these common indications, it's time to contact your vet to book a dental exam and cleaning:
- Teeth with discoloration or tartar buildup
- A foul odor originating in the mouth
- Loose or broken teeth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
How to Clean a Cat's Teeth
We advise cat owners to dedicate time to brushing and cleaning their kitty's teeth on a daily basis. By implementing a regular oral hygiene routine that incorporates tooth brushing and cleaning, you can help ensure your cat's teeth and gums remain healthy for the rest of their life. To make cleaning your cat's teeth at home as easy and stress-free as possible, start a daily oral hygiene routine when your cat is still a kitten. This way, your cat will adapt to having its teeth brushed and mouth touched from a young age.
Once you find that your cat is feeling calm and relaxed, you can start with these steps:
- Gently lift your cat's lips, then use your finger to massage their teeth and gums for just a few seconds.
- Don't expect too much from your cat at first. You may only be able to reach a couple of teeth the first few times you try this process. That's okay. This is about building trust in your cat to help prevent them from becoming agitated.
- Remain calm, and give lots of praise and a yummy treat after your teeth-and-gum massage. You're trying to build your cat’s tolerance to the experience by gradually increasing the time you spend on the task each day.
- Once your feline friend is used to you massaging their gums each day, you will be able to gradually introduce a soft-bristled toothbrush you can acquire from your vet and some special cat toothpaste. Toothpaste can come in various flavors for cats, like beef or chicken.
- Use the toothbrush as gradually as you did the teeth-and-gum massage; your cat may begin by licking just a small dab of toothpaste from your finger.
What happens when you bring a cat to the vet for teeth cleaning?
Bringing your cat for a dental cleaning and exam is like visiting an animal dentist. Your vet will evaluate your cat's oral health, take X-rays if necessary, and do a thorough cleaning.
During the cleaning, your vet will remove tartar above and below the gum line. Tartar below the gum line causes the most significant periodontal disease, so removal is important. Unfortunately, if periodontal disease has progressed, saving the teeth may not be possible, and they will need to be extracted. After scaling, the teeth are polished to decrease the rate of plaque build-up.
If your cat suffers from a mouth injury, tooth loss, or severe decay, your pet's 'dentist' will provide recommendations regarding care or surgery to treat your cat's oral health issues.
How can I prevent tartar accumulation after the procedure?
Caring for your cat's oral health once at home is extremely important. This is because plaque and bacteria form in as little as six hours after dental cleaning. Your vet will provide detailed instructions on caring for your cat's teeth at home. This can include the steps outlined above. They will also recommend a routine professional dental care schedule. This will ensure that your cat has regular dental examinations and cleanings to help them achieve optimal oral health.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please visit your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.