Cat Dental Care | Guide to Cat Health

The Importance of Cat Dental Care

Cats are susceptible to the same dental diseases as humans, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and tooth resorption. Bacteria naturally forms a film called plaque on the teeth that if not removed regularly through brushing and professional cleanings, will harden into tartar. Tartar above and below the gumline leads to infection and tooth loss.

Additionally, bacteria from dental infections can spread through the bloodstream and affect organs like the heart, liver and kidneys. Dental disease has been linked to serious feline health conditions such as:

Endocarditis - an infection of the heart valves
Liver or kidney disease
Diabetes
Arthritis as bacteria get into joints
Dental abscesses and oral pain
Tooth loss
Problems eating, chewing, or swallowing
Weight loss from difficulty eating
Behavioral changes

Clearly, unhealthy teeth and gums can significantly impact your cat's quality of life. Proper dental care helps prevent infection, preserves teeth, maintains organ health, and allows cats to eat comfortably. It's one of the best things you can do for your cat's overall wellness!

Signs Your Cat May Have Dental Disease

Cats are masters at hiding illness, so dental disease often goes unnoticed in its early stages. Signs your cat may have dental problems include:

Bad breath
Red, swollen or bleeding gums
Excessive drooling
Loose or discolored teeth
Difficulty eating or dropping food
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Sneezing or nasal discharge
Facial swelling
Behavioral changes (avoiding chewing, irritability, less grooming)

Cats experiencing mouth pain tend to subtly alter their eating habits. Canned food may be preferred over dry kibble. They may chew only on one side of their mouth or hesitate before putting food in their mouth. Any difficulty eating warrants an oral exam by your veterinarian.

The best way to monitor your cat’s dental health is by regularly looking in their mouth. Gently lift their lips and inspect all sides of the teeth and gums. Get your cat used to this type of handling from a young age. Contact your vet if you notice any signs of dental problems.

Preventing Dental Problems in Cats

An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when it comes to your cat's dental health. Here are some key tips for preventing dental disease:

Start young: Get kittens accustomed to toothbrushing and oral exams early on. This prepares them for easy dental care throughout life.

Brush daily: Daily toothbrushing is the gold standard for preventing plaque buildup and gum disease. Not all cats will tolerate this, but aim for at least 3-4 times per week.

Dental diets: Feed dry food formulated to reduce plaque. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal. Avoid soft, crunchy, or people food which sticks to teeth.

Dental treats: Chewing treats scrapes away plaque. Opt for treats with the VOHC seal.

Regular vet exams: Your vet will inspect for signs of dental issues and recommend any needed treatment. Annual exams are ideal.

Professional cleanings: Just like people, cats need periodic dental cleanings to remove tartar and disease below the gumline. Usually needed every 6-12 months.

Address health issues: Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and immune disorders increase the risk of dental disease. Monitor closely and maintain overall health.

Water additives: Some dental water additives help retard plaque. These provide a helpful boost but don't replace other prevention steps.

Prevention starts when your cat is a kitten, but it's never too late to improve their dental health. Work with your vet to determine the ideal dental regimen for your cat based on their unique needs and risk factors.

Brushing Your Cat's Teeth

Brushing is the most effective way to prevent plaque buildup and maintain dental health. While not all cats will tolerate toothbrushing, you should attempt to establish this habit. Introduce it slowly and make it a rewarding experience. Here are tips for a successful toothbrushing routine:

Supplies: Use a soft-bristled brush designed for a cat or a finger brush. Never use human toothpaste which contains ingredients that can upset your cat's stomach. Use veterinary toothpaste or a pet-safe enzyme solution.

Set the scene: Choose a quiet place without distractions. Have your cat eat a meal first so they’re satisfied. Offer treats and praise during the process. Go slow with a short first session.

Hands-on: Gently cradle your cat in your lap or have someone assist by holding them. Always brush with the mouth closed to avoid startling your cat and so they don't try to swallow the toothpaste.

Teeth first: Let your cat lick a little toothpaste from your finger so they get used to the flavor. Then rub the brush against the outer surfaces of the teeth using gentle circular motions. Work your way around all sides.

Inside counts: Once your cat relaxes into it, also brush the inner teeth surfaces. Lift lips as needed to access the sides and back. Avoid going too far back towards the throat.

Gums too: Use gentle massage-like movements to brush the gumlines where plaque hides. This stimulates blood flow as well.

Rinse: When finished, allow your cat to drink fresh water to rinse away any remaining toothpaste.

Treat! Make sure to reward your cat with praise and a treat like Greenies to make it a positive experience they’ll look forward to.

With time and patience, regular toothbrushing at home will become easy. Working up to 3-4 times per week provides optimal dental care.

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Other At-Home Dental Care Tips

In addition to brushing, there are a few other things you can do at home to keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy:

Use dental treats: Giving crunchy treats and chews helps scrape away plaque while exercising the jaws. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal.

Try dental toys: Interactive toys like TreatStiks by TRIXIE dispersion food as your cat plays.

Rinse after eating: Wipe your cat's mouth with a soft cloth moistened with water after meals to remove food debris.

Spray on an oral solution: Spraying anti-plaque solutions on the teeth can help reduce bacteria between brushings.

Spot clean: If you notice food stuck to teeth, use cat-safe gauze to gently wipe it off. Don't pull on teeth.

Soothe with gel: Apply dental gel with your finger if your cat has inflamed gums or mouth pain.

Monitor food and water: Get early signs of trouble chewing or eating. Keep water clean.

Avoid sharing toys: Shared toys can spread bacteria between pets. Stick to designated toys.

Quit the kissing: Though it's tempting to smooch that cute cat face, it spreads bacteria. Stick to head pats.

With some diligence about dental care at home, you can significantly impact your cat's oral health before issues progress. Talk to your vet about introducing any new dental care products safely. Be thorough but gentle cleaning fragile feline teeth.

Professional Cleanings and Veterinary Dental Procedures

No matter how diligent you are with at-home care, your cat still needs regular professional dental cleanings and exams. Here's an overview of veterinary dental services to keep your cat's smile sparkling:

Veterinary Dental Cleanings

Performed under general anesthesia
Remove hardened tartar above and below gumline
Smooth enamel by polishing teeth
Extract any problem teeth if needed
Take x-rays to check roots and bone health
Apply fluoride treatments
Assess any signs of disease and pain
Typically done every 6-12 months depending on your cat’s needs

Professional cleanings allow veterinarians to clean deep below the gumline and identify issues not visible from the surface. The frequency will depend on your cat's risk level. Older cats or those with health conditions may need cleanings as often as every 3-6 months.

Other Veterinary Dental Services:

Comprehensive exam: Check all structures of the mouth and take x-rays.

Extractions: Remove severely damaged or infected teeth.

Root canals: Perform root canals on canines or key teeth.

Bonding and fillings: Repair fractured teeth.

Oral surgery: Fix jaw fractures, remove tumors, and more in-depth procedures.

Medications: Prescribe antibiotics, pain meds, or dental disease drugs.

Referrals to dental specialists: For advanced treatments like crowns or orthodontics.

Don't delay if your vet says it's time for a dental cleaning or exam. Treatment is far easier when caught early before significant tooth loss and bone erosion occurs. An annual dental check is recommended for all cats.

Cat-Friendly Dental Products to Use at Home

There’s a wide range of veterinary dental products available to help maintain your cat’s oral health between professional cleanings. Here are some to ask your vet about:

Toothbrushes: Use soft-bristled cat toothbrushes suitable for their smaller mouths. Go with finger brushes for easier maneuvering. Replace every 3-4 months.

Toothpaste: Only use formulas created for cats like CET enzymatic toothpaste. Never human varieties which contain ingredients unsafe if swallowed.

Dental treats: VOHC approved treats like Greenies have specific shapes and textures to reduce plaque. They come in flavors cats love.

Dental diets: Prescription dental kibble like Hill’s T/D are engineered to shred plaque as your cat chews.

Water additives: Products like HealthyMouth contain antimicrobials to inhibit bacteria in drinking water.

Oral rinses: Apply diluted chlorhexidine rinses like Hexarinse with cotton pads to disinfect teeth.

Dental gels: Gels like Maxi/Guard Oral Cleansing Gel soothe irritated gums and make it harder for plaque to stick.

Plaque disclosing solution: This colored liquid temporarily stains plaque buildup on teeth to identify problem areas for brushing.

Talk to your vet before introducing any new dental care products. Certain ingredients like chlorhexidine could cause issues if combined with other medications or therapies. Always follow label instructions carefully.

Dental Diets and Treats

One of the easiest ways to improve your cat’s oral health is by feeding a veterinary dental diet. Prescription dental diets have specialized kibble textures and shapes that scrub teeth clean as your cat chews. To earn the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal, these diets must prove through trials that they reduce plaque and tartar accumulation

Here are some top veterinary dental diets to discuss with your vet:

Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d: Clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to inflammation and periodontal disease. It promotes easy chewing and comes in both dry and wet food varieties.

Royal Canin Dental: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Dental dry and wet formulas help cats chew more thoroughly to reduce dental deposits and stain formation. Contains antioxidants for immunity against oral bacteria.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Care: Shreds and cleans teeth by promoting chewing activity. Proven to reduce plaque and tartar by up to 24% more than a typical diet.

Iams Veterinary Formulas Dental Defense: Clinically shown to reduce plaque and tartar by 73% in as little as two weeks. Helps avoid surgery from dental issues.

There are also a variety of dental treats that promote chewing activity and gum stimulation. Several to consider include Greenies, CET Enzymatic Chews, TROPICLEAN Fresh Breath Dental Chews, and Pedigree DENTASTIX. Always supervise pets when giving any dental chews or toys. Proper dental diets make caring for your cat’s teeth easy!

Cat Dental Care

Frequently Ask Questions on Cat Dental Care

How often should I brush my cat's teeth?

Ideally, you should brush your cat's teeth daily. Aim for at least 3 times per week if daily is not possible.

What is the best cat toothbrush?

Look for a soft-bristled brush made specifically for cats. Angled brushes can make it easier to reach the back teeth.

How do I get my cat used to teeth brushing?

Start by rubbing your finger on their teeth and gums to get them used to the sensation. Reward with treats! Then introduce a toothbrush gently.

Should I give my cat dental treats?

Yes, treats and chews help clean the surface of the teeth. Look for VOHC approved treats. Use them to supplement, not replace, brushing.

What dental foods are best for cats?

Dry foods with the VOHC seal fight plaque and tartar. Canned foods with kibble or texture also help clean teeth as cats chew.

How can I tell if my cat has dental problems?

Signs include bad breath, difficulty eating, mouth pain, drooling, loose teeth, facial swelling, and behavioral changes.

How much does a cat dental cleaning cost?

Professional vet cleanings range from $300 to $1000. Cost increases with extractions, medications, bloodwork, etc.

Should cats have yearly dental cleanings?

Yes, annual professional cleanings allow thorough plaque removal above and below the gumline to prevent disease.

At what age should I start brushing my cat's teeth?

You can start gently cleaning their teeth when they are kittens to get them used to it. Routine brushing should start around 6-12 months.

Can cats lose teeth from poor dental care?

Yes, poor dental health leads to plaque buildup, tartar, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss in cats if not properly addressed.

Conclusion

From kittenhood through the senior years, cat dental care should be part of your feline's routine. Left unchecked, dental disease can lead to systemic issues, infections, tooth loss, and unnecessary pain. But with vigilant at-home care and regular veterinary cleanings, your cat's smile will sparkle for years.

Pay attention for early signs of dental trouble and respond promptly if needed. Be patient but persistent introducing toothbrushing and oral care. Feed high quality dental diets and treats. And partner closely with your vet for professional exams and cleanings. By making dental health a priority now, your cat will reap the benefits for life!

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