Cat Dental
Health Care
With major advances in treating
serious infectious and other pet diseases, oral disease
–most importantly periodontal or gum disease caused by
the buildup of plaque and tartar– has become the
number-one health problem for cats. It’s estimated that
without proper dental care 70% of cats will show signs
of oral disease by age three. With your help, your pets
can have healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives.
Dental Health is Dependent Upon
- A nutritious diet
- Chew treats recommended by a veterinarian
- Regular brushing at home
- Yearly dental checkups by a veterinarian
Good dental
health begins with the proper diet
The wrong kinds of food can cause
dental distress in pets. Feeding your cat a dry food rather
than a moist, canned one will, through its mild abrasive
action on the teeth, help remove the bacterial plaque that
can harden into tartar. Dry food also provides adequate
chewing exercise and gum stimulation. Avoid giving your pet
sweets and table scraps as they may also increase plaque and
tartar formation. Your vet may recommend the use of special
dry foods designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup,
especially if your pet is prone to dental problems due to
his breed or individual genetic history.
Brushing Your Cat's Teeth Cats need to have their teeth
brushed in order to eliminate the dental plaque that can
cause tooth decay and the formation of tartar, which can
lead to gum disease. You should begin a regular, daily
brushing routine as soon as you bring your new kitten home.
Even older cats can be trained to accept having their teeth
brushed. You simply need to introduce the activity gradually
and make the experience a positive one for your pet.
Reassure and praise him profusely throughout the process and
reward him with a very special treat when it’s finished.
Here’s how it can be done:
Brushing your pet’s teeth
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Phase 1
Start by dipping a finger in
tuna water or warm water. Rub this finger
gently over your pet’s gums and one or two
teeth. Repeat until your pet seems fairly
comfortable with this activity. |
Phase 2
Gradually, introduce a
gauze-covered finger and gently scrub the
teeth with a circular motion. |
Phase 3
Then, you can begin to use a
toothbrush, either an ultra-soft model
designed for people (baby tooth-brushes work
well for cats) or a special pet tooth-brush
or finger brush, which is a rubber finger
covering with a small brush built in at its
tip. |
Phase 4
Finally, once your pet is
used to brushing, introduce the use of pet
toothpaste in liquid or paste form. Most of
these contain chlorhexidine or stannous
fluoride—ask your veterinarian for his or
her recommendations. Don’t use human
toothpaste, as it can upset your pet’s
stomach and cause your cat to foam at the
mouth. Your vet may also advise the use of
an antiseptic spray or rinse after brushing.
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The Yearly Dental Checkup
Doing your best to ensure that your
cat receives the proper diet and regular brushing at home
will help maintain his or her teeth and gums in top
condition. To provide optimum dental care at home, you need
to start with a clean bill of dental health. That’s where
your pet’s veterinarian comes in. He or she will give your
pet a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity to
determine whether there are any underlying problems and,
especially important, tartar buildup. Brushing removes
plaque but not tartar, so if your pet’s teeth do have
tartar, your veterinarian will have to remove it with a
professional cleaning and polishing, usually accomplished
under anesthesia. After removing the tartar above and below
the gum line, your veterinarian may treat your pet’s teeth
with fluoride and will provide you with instructions for
home care and follow-up.
A Few Dental Facts • Kittens have
their first 26 “milk” or deciduous teeth at 2 to 3
weeks of age. Their 30 permanent teeth begin
erupting around 3 months. • Cats have the fewest teeth of any common domestic
mammal.
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