Dental issues are common in cats. Because cats can be very good at hiding pain and illness, cat parents may not know that something is going on until obvious outward signs appear. Many cat parents are also reluctant to brush their cats’ teeth or are unaware of the fact that teeth brushing is even needed for pets. Additionally, the sad fact that cats don’t get taken to the veterinarian for routine health exams as often as dogs are, means they don’t have the opportunity to have their mouths checked. Good at-home dental hygiene and professional cleanings are important for keeping your pet’s mouth healthy just as those things are important to our own dental health.
Signs of Dental Problems
If you aren’t caring for your cat’s teeth on a regular basis, you may not realize a problem has developed until it has advanced so far that outward signs appear. Signs of dental problems or discomfort can include:
- Pawing at mouth
- Foul breath
- Sensitive mouth
- Vocalization during chewing
- Receding gums
- Red or inflamed gums
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth
- Drooling
- Tilting the head to chew on one side
- Dropping food from mouth
- Swallowing dry food whole
- No longer eating dry food at all
- Approaching food bowl and appearing hungry but then showing reluctance to eat
You may initially label the cat’s rejection of dry food or total rejection of all food as being a finicky feline but it has nothing to do with being picky and everything to do with oral pain.
The Cause of Dental Disease
Tartar build-up is the most common cause of dental disease. Plaque forms on the surface of the teeth and when it doesn’t get removed naturally, it hardens and forms tartar. This leads to gum inflammation and infection.
What You Should Do if You Suspect Your Cat has Dental Issues
If your cat is showing any of the signs listed above or you see tartar on the teeth, gum inflammation or if you notice a red line at the gum line, take your cat to the veterinarian for a dental exam. Your veterinarian will probably recommend a professional cleaning. This is a procedure done under anesthesia.
Your veterinarian may also recommend follow-up at-home care in the form of regular tooth brushing or the regular application of a dental spray, gel, or foam.
Some cats accumulate tartar more quickly than others so that will determine how frequently a professional cleaning may be needed.
Don’t try to scrape tartar from your cat’s teeth by yourself using your fingernail or any sharp instrument. You could easily hurt your cat or cause damage to the tooth surface or gums. When tartar is removed professionally, the teeth are then polished which makes it harder for the plaque to adhere in the future. If you attempt to scrape the teeth yourself, you risk actually scratching a tooth’s surface which creates an ideal environment for plaque to form.
Tips for Preventing Dental Disease in Your Cat
Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
The easiest way to help prevent dental problems is to keep plaque from building up and turning into tartar. Brushing your cat’s teeth is most effective, just as it is with brushing our own teeth.
Use only toothpaste made especially for pets that is designed to be swallowed. Toothpaste meant for humans isn’t safe for pets as it foams and isn’t intended to be swallowed. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can cause serious irritation in pets. Pet toothpaste is also flavored to make it more appealing to your cat.
There are several types of pet toothbrushes available for taking care of your cat’s teeth. You can also just use a gauze pad, finger cot or Q-tip. I use a very soft baby toothbrush with my own cat but there are many options for you to choose from based on what you think will be most comfortable for your own kitty.
If your cat isn’t used to having the teeth brushed, go gently and first get kitty used to having themouth touched. Initially, before using a toothbrush, place a small drop of toothpaste on your finger and gently rub along the teeth. If your cat won’t even accept that, try dipping your finger in a little tuna water instead of starting off with the toothpaste. Once your cat is comfortable with you rubbing the teeth, you can work up to using toothpaste.
If you can, brush your cat’s teeth every day. If you can’t do daily brushing, set a schedule so you get it done at least three or four times a week. If you make this casual and positive, it can be done quickly. Take the time in the beginning to get your cat accepting and comfortable with the procedure and then it’ll be easier to maintain. Don’t struggle with your cat or force the issue. Use positive training to gradually get your cat comfortable with every step. It’s worth the time and effort to make this quick and positive in order to be able to maintain a lifetime of good dental care.
If you’re unable to brush your cat’s teeth without risk of being bitten, talk to your veterinarian about a dental spray. Some products also come as a foam or gel. Although these products aren’t as effective as brushing, they may help slow some of the plaque and tartar formation.
Regular Veterinary Exams
Regular health exams are important for all aspect of a cat’s health. Since many cat parents don’t look in their cats’ mouths, a dental problem may not become obvious until it has progressed quite far along. Routine exams can catch developing problems much earlier.
Professional Cleanings
To do a thorough job and to ensure your cat doesn’t experience any pain during the procedure, dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia. A pre-anesthesia exam is done first, which includes bloodwork and EKG.
Once under anesthesia, dental x-rays are done. The gums and teeth are then probed to check for gum bleeding and inflammation. Each tooth is checked for any issues. After manually probing, an ultrasonic scaler is used to remove tartar on the tooth as well as beneath the gum line. Any teeth that need to be extracted will be removed as well. After scaling, the teeth are polished. Your veterinarian may also apply a tooth sealant to help slow future plaque accumulation.
Tartar Control Food Treats and Chews
Don’t depend on these products to take the place of regular tooth brushing and professional cleanings. Use these products, if recommended by your veterinarian, in combination with regular brushing.
Be Observant
Pay attention to changes in behavior and appetite as they could be signs of dental problems. When it comes to your cat’s breath, it shouldn’t have a foul odor, so if you notice an unpleasant smell, it’s time for a check-up.
If you’ve ever had a cavity, loose tooth, abscess or any other dental problem, you know how painful it can be. Don’t neglect this very important aspect of your cat’s overall health.
Need more Information?
If you have questions about your cat’s dental care or are concerned about a change in your cat’s health or behavior, contact your veterinarian. If you have questions about how to brush your cat’s teeth, your veterinarian can give you a demonstration and offer more specific instructions based on your individual cat’s needs.
For more information on cat behavior and training, refer to the best-selling books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. We’ve included Amazon links here on our website.
NOTE: This article is not intended as a replacement for your cat’s veterinary care and is not meant to dispense medical advice. Contact your veterinarian if you have questions about your cat’s health.