Like people, cats can develop dental diseases. Implementing a daily tooth brushing routine can help maintain your cat's oral health into its senior years. Here, our Parrish vets share what you should know about cleaning your cat's teeth.
Why is teeth cleaning important for cats?
Cleaning your cat's teeth daily will help prevent dental disease, which can lead to infection, pain, and tooth loss. Cats are susceptible 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.
Additionally, dental disease in cats can also lead to other health problems, like kidney disease and heart disease. By maintaining your cat's exceptional oral hygiene with regular teeth cleaning, you can help your feline companion live a longer, healthier life.
Taking Your Cat for Annual Dental Checkups
Cats should see the vet for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning as part of their annual wellness exam. During the appointment, your vet will evaluate your cat's oral health along with their overall physical health and recommend professional veterinary dental cleaning or surgery, if needed.
During the cleaning, the vet will remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish the teeth, and address any potential issues such as gum disease or tooth decay. Regular dental checkups can help prevent serious dental problems and support your cat's overall health and well-being.
How to Clean Your Cat's Teeth at Home
As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to keep your kitty's teeth as clean and healthy as possible. For this reason, our vets recommend implementing a daily oral health and dental care routine to prevent plaque and tartar from accumulating between cleanings, and getting your four-legged companion used to having their teeth brushed.
As you might imagine, it may take a bit of trial and error to ease your cat into this routine, so you'll want to wait until he'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.
- Maintain realistic expectations 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. If you find that your cat does not tolerate brushing at home, consult your vet for advice. They may be able to help you find the right product or technique to keep your cat's teeth clean.
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup Between Dental Cleanings
Plaque naturally develops on the surface of your cat's teeth and cannot be completely prevented. However, plaque buildup can be removed to prevent tartar from forming.
In addition to teeth brushing and offering dental food and treats, chew toys or water additives, there are several products out there that can help keep your cat's teeth clean and prevent tartar from building up.
Dental Diets & Treats
Some dry cat food and treats are specially formulated and shaped to help scrape plaque off your cat's teeth. Dental treats and diets do not remove tartar and are not nearly as effective as regular brushing. However, you can give them to your cat between dental cleanings to help slow the buildup of plaque. Always ask a veterinarian for advice about dental products and use only those approved by the veterinary oral health council (VOHC) to ensure their safety and effectiveness. If your cat already has dental disease, talk to a vet before giving your cat a new food or treat.
Other Non-Food Dental Products
These non-food dental products can help slow the buildup of plaque on a cat's teeth between cleanings:
- Water additives
- Tooth gels, powders, and wipes
- Mouth sprays
These products coat the teeth to reduce plaque formation or decrease the amount of plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth. Similar to dental food and treats, these products are best used alongside brushing or in between dental cleanings, since they are not as effective as brushing and do not treat dental disease in cats. Your cat will 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.