Dental Care for Cats Teeth

Anatomy of Cat Teeth

Cats, like humans, begin with deciduous (baby) teeth.

Teeth sprout between the second and third weeks of life; at four months, kittens begin to lose their baby teeth, and by the age of 6-7 months, they have all 30 adult teeth.

Cat teeth are distinct from dog teeth in that none of their teeth has grinding surfaces.

Cats evolved to eat flesh rather than chewing or grinding plant matter.

The majority of dental issues arise once the adult teeth have developed.

Plaque builds up on the teeth as a thin layer of bacteria, then hardens into tartar, causing gum inflammation.

Bacteria can also grow beneath the gum line, producing gum infection (gingivitis), which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Other dental issues include fractured teeth, which can make chewing difficult.

A tooth root abscess is an infection that forms at the tooth's root and causes swelling under the eye.

A FORL (Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesion) is a specific type of dental ailment that Cats are prone to.

This is the same as a cavity in which the tooth decays at the gum line.

Symptoms Of a Dental Condition

Plaque builds up on cats' teeth in the same way it does on ours.

If left unattended, this hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and causes gingivitis, leading to tooth loss.

If your Cat has serious dental disease and it's not treated, the germs in his mouth might build up and cause other problems, like heart and kidney problems.

So, what are the warning signals to look for, and how can you assist keep your feline friend's teeth in good shape?

Your cat's poor breath will most likely be the first unexpected thing you notice it's difficult to ignore! This indicates that you have advanced dental disease.

Reddened gums, yellowish-brown tartar on teeth, and drooling are also signs.

Have you noticed your Cat dropping food from their mouth, eating exclusively on one side, or losing weight because they can't eat? If this is the case, they may have a severe case of gingivitis.

Cats with a severe dental problem may not show any symptoms at all Cats don't want to cause a scene if they're sick, so they may not give you any hints that anything is wrong.

That is why you must check your cat's teeth and get dental check-ups at the veterinarian, especially for older cats.

If you see any symptoms, get your Cat to the veterinarian, who will most likely recommend specialized dental care to remove loose or broken teeth and de-scale using ultrasonic vibration, which gently eliminates plaque and tartar without hurting the surface of the teeth.

Taking Care of Your Cat’s Teeth

By the age of three, the majority of Cats have periodontal disease.

It happens when food particles are left on the teeth, causing plaque build-up.

If plaque is not eliminated, it forms into tartar, which can cause gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums.

Your vet will look for signs of oral abnormalities and periodontal disease throughout routine check-ups, but you should also inspect your cat's mouth frequently at home.

Since many Cats are known for their sluggish temperaments, it might be tough to tell whether your Cat isn't feeling well just by looking at them.

In other words, if you don't examine your cat's teeth and they have a problem, it might be months before treatment begins.

Periodontal disease can be incredibly painful, causing your Cat to paw at its mouth, drool excessively, and have difficulties chewing.

You may also notice behavioural changes in your cat, such as irritability or depression.

The seriousness of the periodontal disease will determine the course of treatment.

In minor cases detected early, a professional dental cleaning may be sufficient to eliminate plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gumline.

In more severe cases, Cat dental surgery may be needed to access deeper tooth tissues.

With a combination of at-home and expert dental care, you may help your Cat avoid periodontal disease:

Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth

Brushing your cat's teeth may seem intimidating, but it is an important aspect of caring for your furry companion.

Although Cats may be resistant at first, they should become accustomed to the idea with a little patience and persistence.

Furthermore, remember that brushing your cat's teeth a few times a week is far handier (and cost-effective) than having to take your companion to the dentist.

Buy a toothbrush manufactured exclusively for cats, which will be softer and smaller than your toothbrush to make your toothbrushing experience more pleasant.

You can use a toothbrush that you wear on your finger or a piece of gauze wrapped around it if you like.

It's also important to introduce the toothbrush.

Allow your Cat to sniff and inspect the toothbrush.

To get your cat's attention, try dipping it in a little tuna water.

You might also give a small sample of toothpaste.

It is never a good idea to use toothpaste from your bathroom.

Fluoride, for example, is poisonous to Cats and can be found in human toothpaste.

Cat toothpaste is available in enticing scents like poultry or beef, making the process go more smoothly.

Begin with a gum massage to assist your Cat get used to the sensation of having its teeth brushed.

Use your finger to gently massage the area.

You can repeat this process until your Cat appears to be at ease with it.

When you're both ready, softly lift the lips to expose the teeth and begin brushing in slow, circular motions.

Plaque and tartar tend to accumulate on the rear molars and canines, so do your best to reach them.

As you brush your cat, speak quietly to him and lavish praise on him for excellent behaviour.

If your Cat permits it, take your time cleaning so you can perform a thorough job.

Brush your cat's teeth daily, or at least once or twice a week.

Instead of seeing it as a burden, think of it as an opportunity to bond with your cat.

If you're having difficulties brushing your cat's teeth, get guidance from your vet.

It's also a good idea to get your cat into the habit of brushing his teeth as soon as possible.

If you're bringing a new cat into the household, start brushing their teeth the week they arrive.

Dental Products for Cats

The basic truth is that, no matter how hard you try, some Cats have difficulty brushing teeth.

Instead of continuing to stress your cat, consult your veterinarian about alternate options, such as oral hygiene gels.

These contain enzymes that prevent plaque formation by inhibiting the microorganisms that cause it.

These gels can be given to your Cat directly or mixed with their diet.

Cat dental chews and special dry food diets with fibre that scrapes the surface of your cat's teeth as they chew are also available.

Chew toys are fun for some Cats to play with, and they can help decrease plaque build-up, but don't rely on them; the best dental care for your Cat is a nutritious, balanced diet and frequent tooth brushing.

To maintain your cat's mouth as happy and healthy as possible throughout their lives, it's a good idea to introduce home Cat dental care.

Most Cats will learn to tolerate some sort of dental cleaning, whether it's brushing their teeth or using hygiene gels, with patience and effort.

Home Mouth Check-ups

At least once a week, take a close check at your cat's mouth.

Choose a tranquil time to inspect your cat's gums and teeth by gently lifting the lips.

Periodontal disease and other concerns such as broken or loose teeth, discolouration, swelling, or lumps should all be looked for.

If you have someone else hold the Cat while you examine their mouth, you may find that your Cat is more cooperative during these inspections.

Rewarding your Cat with a special treat later may help encourage them to behave.

Vet Annual Checkups

Even if you take excellent care of your cat's teeth at home, they still require a regular dental exam and cleaning at the veterinarian's office.

Your vet can perform a thorough examination of your cat's teeth and gums, including regions beneath the gum line, and safely remove dental plaque that you can't remove at home.

Cats cannot comprehend the necessity to remain still during a dental procedure, which is why anaesthetic is recommended for tooth cleanings.

There are risks associated with anaesthesia, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

It relieves your cat's discomfort and pain while allowing the veterinarian to securely clean below the gumline and thoroughly check each tooth in your cat's mouth.

Furthermore, dental X-rays are frequently required to check the roots of the teeth.

Feed Your Cat a Dental Diet

It is critical to offer your Cat dental-beneficial dry food, as this promotes mechanical cleaning and helps protect their teeth from disease.

These feeds are developed with a unique form and texture to guarantee that your Cat chews the food, allowing for the necessary contact time between teeth and kibble for good oral care.

If your Cat swallows dry food too quickly and does not chew it thoroughly, consult with your vet about ways to slow them down.

Furthermore, if your Cat eats predominantly wet food, there will be no physical abrasion when they chew.

A diet consisting solely of wet foods can lead to gingivitis and even loose teeth over time, so ensure you provide them with a variety of wet and dry meals so they can benefit from both.

Give Dental Chews and Treats

The texture of dental treats is made to scrape your cat's teeth while they chew, preventing plaque and tartar from forming.

The ingredients also include crucial vitamins and minerals that are good for your cat's health and promote fresh breath.

Dental treats are a beneficial supplement to your cat's home dental care routine, but they should not be solely relied upon for teeth care.

Don’t Overlook Bad Breath

The slight fishy odour is known as "kitty breath" may appear natural to pet owners, but if your Cat has terrible breath, it's a sign they have dental issues.

Your cat's breath will only get worse if you don't treat it.

Gum disease and/or tooth decay are frequently the causes of poor breath and drooling in cats.

Bleeding gums are nothing to be concerned about on occasion, but if your Cat has a combination of bleeding gums and foul breath, as well as drooling, your Cat will most likely require a deep cleaning or maybe a tooth extraction.