Vetted: How to Care for Your Cat’s Teeth
health, tipsYour cat’s dental health is important. Research suggests that anywhere from 50% to 70% of cats have some degree of dental disease by the time they’re four years old. Regular dental care and monitoring can help keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy.
Dental disease stinks
Dental care is an often overlooked part of pet care, but it can have a huge impact on your cat’s quality of life. Lack of proper dental care can have serious health impacts, cause severe discomfort, and be expensive to address.
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection and inflammation of the soft tissues around the teeth and is very common in cats. Untreated periodontal disease in cats can lead to pain, tooth root abscesses, and tooth loss. Bacteria from dental infections are also believed to contribute to kidney disease, heart disease, and blood vessel inflammation.
Dental infections often go unnoticed because cats are experts at hiding the fact that they aren’t feeling well. Cat parents should act fast if signs of dental problems appear. Signs of dental disease in cats include:
Bad breath (halitosis)
Reluctance to eat
Dropping food
Excessive drooling
Facial swelling
Red, swollen gums
Blood in the water dish
Dental care for your cat
Taking care of your cat’s teeth requires a combination of professional and at-home care. Your vet should examine your cat’s teeth at least once a year. Annual professional teeth cleanings are recommended for most cats. Keep in mind that dental radiographs and professional dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia. This allows your vet to determine the health of the tooth roots and perform deep cleaning under the gumline where bacteria and mouth funk like to hide.
How to take care of your cat’s teeth at home
Brushing is by far the best thing you can do to take care of your cat’s teeth at home. Ideally, you should brush your cat’s teeth daily, but even brushing two or three times a week can make a huge difference.
Brushing your cat’s teeth doesn’t have to be a drama-filled endeavor, but it should be approached with care. Using appropriate tools and techniques can make the process safer and easier for both you and your cat. Here’s how to brush your cat’s teeth:
- Learn how to look at your cat’s teeth
Start by lifting your cat’s lips to get a peek at the most accessible teeth: their canines (the big fangs) and incisors (the cute, tiny teeth in front). Once you’ve gotten the hang of that, practice lifting their lip from the side to expose the cheek teeth. If your cat gets wiggly, try having them sit with their back toward you or grab a buddy if one is available to help.
Reward your cat with treats for being tolerant. The ability to check out your cat’s mouth at home is a valuable skill and can help you spot issues that need veterinary attention like ulcers, broken teeth, or discolored teeth or gums.
- Make sure you have the right tools
Use a cat-safe toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste to brush your cat’s teeth; as human toothpastes often contain fluoride, baking soda, or other ingredients that are harmful to cats. Stick with feline-friendly toothpastes that come in yummy flavors that cats may actually enjoy.
Get a toothbrush small enough for your cat’s mouth — either a cat-specific or baby toothbrush. Use a toothbrush with a handle and avoid over-the-finger toothbrushes, especially if this experience is new to you or your cat. A tooth can easily go through the silicone brush and into your finger.
You’ll also need a few treats and lots of patience.
- Introduce the toothpaste and toothbrush
Let your cat lick a small amount of toothpaste off your finger, or place a small dollop on their nose and let them lick it off. Try to find a toothpaste that your cat finds tasty to help make dental care more enjoyable. Next, let your cat lick some toothpaste off their toothbrush to help get them used to the feel of the bristles.
- Slowly introduce toothbrushing
Lift your cat’s lips and gently brush the canines and incisors (the easiest teeth to reach). Start with just a few strokes and reward your cat with treats and affection. Slowly work your way up to including the cheek teeth. This may take days or weeks. Be patient and try to minimize your cat’s stress as much as possible.
Alternatives to toothbrushing
So, you tried brushing your cat’s teeth. Like, really tried. And it was a disaster. Your cat was absolutely not having it.
That’s okay. At-home dental care can take many forms. The most important thing is to not ignore your cat’s oral health. Toothbrushing is the “gold standard” of at-home dental care, but it’s not the only option. Alternative, more hands-off products that you can incorporate into your cat care routine include:
Dental treats
Water additives
Gels and sprays
Dental wipes
Dental diets
When searching for alternative products, ask your veterinarian for recommendations or look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). A VOHC stamp of approval means that a product has been shown to be effective against plaque and/or tartar buildup.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does my cat have bad breath?
Bad breath can be a sign of periodontal disease or other oral issues. Bad breath can also be a sign of systemic illnesses like diabetes, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal obstruction. Don’t ignore your cat’s bad breath, especially if it appears suddenly.
- Can I use dental treats instead of brushing my cat’s teeth?
Toothbrushing is the most effective method, but dental treats can also reduce plaque and tartar buildup in cats. However, treats only work if your cat actually chews them, so they’re not ideal for cats that like to gulp down snacks. Treats should also make up no more than 10 percent of your cat’s daily calorie intake.
- How often should my cat get professional teeth cleanings?
In general, cats should have a professional teeth cleaning once a year. Your vet may recommend a different frequency depending on your cat’s age, breed, and medical history.