What to do if your cat’s teeth are in bad shape?

Do you know eight in ten cats older than three years have gum and tooth problems? Like our teeth, cat teeth can accumulate plaque. If this is not controlled, it may lead to periodontal and tartar disease. If you take care of your teeth, then it’s important to do the same for your cat.

Cat teeth symptoms: warning signs

It’s not hard to forget about your cat’s dental hygiene, as cats already know how to clean themselves. Just like us, cats accumulate plaque in their mouths. This plaque can harden into tartar if left untreated. Tartar causes gingivitis, irritates gums, and eventually leads to tooth loss. The bacteria that builds up in your cat’s mouth when it has severe dental problems can cause kidney and heart issues. What are the signs and symptoms of cat tooth problems? How can you keep your feline’s teeth healthy?

You’ll notice your cat has bad breath first. It’s hard to ignore. It is an indication of a more advanced form of dental disease. Some other symptoms of problematic cat teeth include

• Reddened gums
• Yellowish-brown tartar on the teeth
• Drooling

You may have noticed that your cat is unable to consume food, or they are chewing on only one side.

Then they may have a bad case of gum disease. Some cats may show no signs of dental disease. Cats are not known to be vocal when they’re sick, so you might never know that something is wrong.

It’s important to regularly check the teeth of your older cat and have them examined by a vet.

Take your cat to the veterinarian if you see any signs of dental problems. They will likely recommend specialist care for the removal of any damaged or loose teeth, and de-scaling using ultrasonic vibrations, which remove plaque and tartar gently without damaging the surfaces.

Brushing your cat’s tooth

It is important to brush your cat’s tooth and prevent dental diseases. You may be advised by your vet to wait until after professional dental treatment is completed before brushing the teeth. You may laugh when you suggest brushing your cat’s tooth, but with patience and time, this is something that can be done.

In the ideal case, you would introduce dental hygiene at an early age. While kitten’s teeth should not be brushed in the early stages, they need to get used to being touched to help prepare for their future of healthy teeth.

Here are some tips for cleaning your cat’s teeth if it is a new concept for you.

1. Professionals can offer you advice on how to clean your cat’s teeth.

You can ask your vet nurse how to properly brush the teeth of your cat.

2. Select the best toothpaste for your cat

Purchase toothpaste specially designed for cats. It comes in flavors like chicken or malt. Your cat shouldn’t use human toothpaste, just as you would not want to use cat-specific toothpaste.

3. Slowly get your cat accustomed to the toothpaste taste

Put the cat toothpaste onto your finger, and offer it to your pet to lick. Try this every day for a couple of days to get your cat used to its taste and texture. Do not put your finger in the mouth of your cat. That will only lead to trouble.

4. Select the best toothbrush for your cat

You can use a baby’s toothbrush as it is soft, but avoid ‘finger brushes’, which are prone to being accidentally bitten – with your finger inside! Baby toothbrushes are soft enough to be used, but you should avoid finger brushes as your fingers can get bitten by them.

5. Relaxing cat teeth brushing routine

Pick a regular time each day that your pet can follow to make brushing their teeth a part of his or her normal routine. You should choose a relaxed time for you both to be comfortable and calm.

6. When cleaning your cat’s teeth, make sure you have their back to them.

When you begin brushing your cat, have them facing you. They may attempt to back away. This is a more non-confrontational way of doing it.

7. Do not rush through the process. Patience and perseverance are key.

You may need help holding your cat, but you should try to gradually acclimatise them by touching them on the mouth or head repeatedly, and reassuring with soothing, quiet words. Reward them for several days. It’s not necessary to rush into brushing your cat’s teeth. What’s important is to teach them to be comfortable with the toothbrush, toothpaste and even you.

8. Reward your cat’s good behavior with rewards

At first, gently and slowly pull your cat’s lip back and use the cat brush to touch its teeth. Then stop and give your cat a reward.

Repeat this routine for cleaning cat’s teeth daily. You should only begin brushing their teeth when you feel they are comfortable. Apply the bristles at a 45 degree angle to reach the surface of the tooth and the area just below the gum line, without touching the gums directly.

Looking after your cat’s teeth: Top cat dental care products

Does cat tooth cleaning seem like a chore? It’s a simple fact that not all cats are happy to be brushed, no matter how hard they try. Talk to your veterinarian about alternative products that you could use to help calm your cat down. They contain enzymes which inhibit bacteria responsible for the formation of plaque. These gels can be given to your cat either directly or mixed with food.

There are cat dental chews and special diets with fibres to scrape the teeth of your cats as they chew. Chew toys can be fun for some cats and they may help to reduce plaque buildup. However, you shouldn’t depend on these chews – the best way to care for your cat is with a balanced diet and daily tooth brushing.

Introduce home cat dental hygiene to ensure your cat’s mouth is as healthy and happy as possible for the rest of their lives. Most cats can be trained to accept some form of dental care, such as brushing or using hygiene gels.

Dentalife dental cat treats

Dentalife cat dental treats are a great way to help your cat maintain healthy teeth. These treats, which come in delicious flavors like chicken and salmon, have a crunchy, porous texture that allows them to be thoroughly cleaned.

Our dental cat treats are also able to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on back teeth, which can be difficult to clean.