Healthy Dental Practices for Pets

Brushing your cat’s teeth regularly is an essential component to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for her. Nearly 90 percent of cats develop dental problems over their lifetime. Just like us, they can develop gum disease, tartar and plaque build-up, foul breath, and abscesses, all of which can develop into infection and tooth loss. With proper feline dental care and the right type of food, you can help take action against these problems.

If your cat has a tooth problem, it may take a while for you to find out. One reason is that cats instinctively hide their pain as a response to not appear vulnerable to predators, so it may take you awhile to figure out that she’s hurting. If she hides more than usual, refuses to sleep, or becomes more aggressive, this could indicate that she’s experiencing tooth pain.

How to Brush a Cat’s Teeth at Home
  • Get your cat used to the idea of having her teeth brushed. Keep the sessions short and positive. Gently massage her gums with your finger or a cotton swab.
  • Use a toothbrush designed especially for cats; it’s smaller than a human toothbrush and has softer bristles. Toothbrushes that you can wear over your finger are also available.
  • Use toothpaste designed for cats; using your own toothpaste can cause distress and upset your cat’s stomach.
  • If your cat has inflamed gums, brushing her teeth too hard might be painful. Visit the vet for a quick check-up before you begin brushing.

Establishing a proper dental routine from an early age is critical for your pet’s continued health and happiness. It not only guards against illnesses like gingivitis but also improves your feline’s overall quality of life

Check for Tell-Tale Signs of Feline Dental Concerns

Between vet visits, be sure to check your cat for these important warning signs:

  • Bad breath: an unusually strong odor may suggest digestive problems or a dental condition
  • Bleeding or a dark red line along the gums
  • Gum inflammation: swollen gums can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, inability to eat, and can be a sign of kidney disease or feline immunodeficiency virus
  • Ulcers on the gums
  • Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth area
  • Difficulty chewing food or refusal to eat
  • A complete oral exam and x-rays to identify problems under the gum line
  • A full cleaning under the gum line to prevent periodontal disease
  • Professional scaling to remove plaque and tartar build-up on the crown
  • Polishing the teeth to prevent plaque and bacteria
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