Dental diseases are one of the most common problems we see as vets. In fact, more than half of all cats have some form of dental disease by the time they’re only four years old. Since cats can live to be twenty-four, it’s very important to keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy, starting when they’re still a kitten.
Dental problems can cause extreme pain, and often lead to tooth loss. Unfortunately, most people simply don’t realize how important good dental health is for cats. If you’re new to cat dental care, here are a few tips to get you started.
Four Essential Cat Dental Care Tips for Beginners
1: Brush Your Cat’s Teeth Every Day
Obviously, cats can’t brush their teeth on their own. And since plaque and tartar buildup can cause serious problems, it’s important for you to learn how to brush your cat’s teeth.
First—and most importantly—you’ll need to get a cat toothbrush and a toothpaste that is designed specifically for cats. Not only will the toothpaste have a flavor that your cat will love—like salmon or chicken—all of its ingredients will be safe for cats.
Cats don’t usually like people sticking things into their mouths, so start out by just letting your cat taste the toothpaste. Pretend like it’s a treat! Let them lick it off of your finger or off of the toothbrush, give them lots of pets and reassurance, and gradually work up to actually brushing their teeth.
2: Feed Your Cat a Healthy Diet
Feeding your cat a high-quality, low-carb diet will also promote good dental health. You don’t have to go as far as feeding them a raw food diet or anything like that—just make sure that their kibble is mainly protein. Ideally, your cat’s food should have a carbohydrate content of 15% or less.
You can also give your cat dental treats to help reduce plaque formation. Even though cats don’t do as much chewing as dogs, the shape and texture of cat dental treats are specifically designed to clean a cat’s teeth. Cat grass (wheatgrass) is also good for your cat’s teeth, and it has other health benefits as well.
3: Check in on Your Cat’s Gum Health
Did you know that your cat’s gums are a good indicator of how healthy their teeth are? Healthy gums should be light pink, firm, and slightly moist. If they are red, dry, swollen, or pulling away from the teeth, bring your cat to see a veterinary dentist. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in cats, so the sooner you seek treatment, the better.
Symptoms of gum disease in cats include:
- Bleeding (when brushing teeth, or blood on food)
- Reduced appetite, or only eating soft food
- Dark spots on the gums
- Red and swollen gums
- Uneven gum line (receding gums)
- Drooling
- Bad breath
4: Take Your Cat to the Vet for a Dental Exam Every Year
Good dental health is one of the reasons your cat needs a checkup every year. Oftentimes, people think that there’s no reason to take an indoor cat to the vet as long as they seem healthy.
However, because dental problems can be difficult to detect, checkups are essential, even if your cat isn’t displaying symptoms.
Also, it can be hard to tell when your cat is in pain. Not only will your vet be able to examine your cat’s mouth for signs of dental disease, they’ll also be able to provide treatments and cleanings that will keep your cat’s teeth healthy.
Older cats especially need regular checkups, and yearly dental cleanings will help prevent tooth loss and dental pain. Because infections of the teeth and gums can spread to other parts of the body, you’ll also be reducing your cat’s risk of serious illnesses like kidney disease and heart disease by keeping their teeth clean.
Dental Care for Cats in Gilbert, Arizona
Even if you’re already brushing your cat’s teeth every day, they still need annual dental checkups. A veterinary dentist can get rid of plaque and tartar buildup that a toothbrush can’t reach, and dental checkups are also important for detecting the early signs of gum disease. Regular dental cleanings will help prevent pain, tooth loss, and the need for expensive surgical procedures later on.
At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we can provide expert dental care for cats, and we can also advise you on the best ways to take care of your cat’s teeth at home. So if you want to learn how to brush your cat’s teeth, or need a few more cat dental care tips, make an appointment today! We’re always happy to answer any questions about what you can do to make sure your cat lives a long and happy life.
Photo by Manki Kim on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 7/22/2024.