Cats can develop oral diseases, just like humans. To maintain your kitty's oral and overall health, you'll need to clean their teeth periodically. Here, our vets in Oak Grove tell you everything you need to know about cleaning your cat's teeth so they'll have excellent oral health throughout their life.
Your Cat's Oral Health
A cat's oral health is closely linked to their overall health and well-being. Your cat uses their mouth, teeth and gums to eat and vocalize, so if their oral structures become damaged or diseased, they stop functioning properly and your cat experiences pain. This pain interferes with their ability to eat and communicate normally.
Additionally, bacteria and infection cause many oral health issues in cats, and won't remain confined to your kitty's mouth. Left untreated, infection and bacteria that develop in your cat's mouth can begin to make their way through your cat's body, damaging their heart, liver, kidneys and other organs. This can severely impact your feline friend's overall health and longevity.
The Importance of Keeping Your Cat's Teeth Clean
Cats tend to mask pain or discomfort, so even the most doting kitty owner may not notice if infection has developed. This is why cat parents need to be aware of their feline friend's oral health and understand how to keep their cat's teeth clean.
Bring Your Cat to Your Vet for Annual Dental Checkups
Cats should have a dental checkup as part of their annual visit to the veterinarian to keep plaque and tartar from building up on their teeth. During this appointment, your vet will assess your cat's oral health, along with their general physical health, and let you know if they require a professional dental cleaning or surgery.
Introduce a Dental Care Routine
Just like us, our cats need an oral health and dental care routine to make sure their teeth remain as clean and healthy as possible. Therefore, it's a good idea to get your kitty used to having their teeth brushed when they're young.
Consult your vet before trying to brush your cat's teeth, as even kittens may have oral health issues that will need correcting before their teeth can be brushed.
As you might imagine, you'll want to ease your cat into this routine, so wait until they are calm and relaxed. Then, follow these steps:
- Lift the lips gently, then use your finger to massage the cat's teeth and gums for a few seconds.
- Start with low expectations. You might only reach one or two teeth the first few times you try this. Stop before your cat becomes too annoyed.
- Offer lots of praise and a yummy treat after the teeth and gum massage. Your goal is to build your cat's tolerance to the experience, gradually increasing the length of time you spend on the task.
- Once your kitty has become used to having you massage their teeth and gums on a regular basis, you can gradually introduce a toothbrush and toothpaste designed especially 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 beef or chicken.
- Start brushing as gradually as you did the teeth-and-gum massage. You can let your cat begin by licking just a small dab of toothpaste from your finger to get them used to the toothpaste (you may even have the opportunity to test a few different flavors). Find a brush with soft bristles made for a cat's’ delicate gums.
There are other options instead of a toothbrush. While some cat owners find success with a small piece of soft gauze, others find a finger brush works well for their felines. Still others apply dental gel with a toothbrush or a finger and let the gel do the work for them.
There are also 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.