Cat Dental Care
Like humans, cats require regular dental care to keep their teeth and mouths healthy. Cats experience many of the same dental issues that humans do. Without proper care, major dental problems can arise, both painful for the cat and expensive for the owner. Regular teeth cleanings at home are a good idea, but it is also recommended that cats are taken to their vet for an annual teeth cleaning.
The most common problem in cats is plaque build-up. Humans also experience this and know how important dental visits are and what can happen if you don’t get regular cleaning at the dentist, the same goes for cats. Plaque build-up can lead to gum problems and the eventual loss of teeth. If plaque is not removed, it mineralizes and forms tartar which strongly bonds to the teeth and is difficult to remove. Tartar can be very irritating to the gums and in some cases cause inflammation and gingivitis.
Cats don’t commonly get cavities, but if they do occur it’s normally just at or under the gum line. If your cat gets a cavity you will have to take him in to have root work done. Post root work x-rays are common to make sure that all of the roots have been reabsorbed so the infection doesn’t spread to the sinuses and nasal passage.
Another common issue with cats is bad breath. If your cat has smelly breath, it could be for several different reasons. Around six months of age, kittens lose their baby teeth and their permanent teeth grow in, this can cause bad breath but should subside once the adult teeth grow in. If your cat’s gums are red and swollen, and teething isn’t occurring, gingivitis could be what is causing the bad breath and you should seek veterinarian help right away. Another cause of bad breath could be diet. Prescription or canned foods can often cause bad breath. If possible you can try changing your cat’s food.
When cleaning your cat’s teeth at home, make sure you use a toothpaste that is specifically made for cats as well as a cat toothbrush or a soft baby toothbrush. Toothpaste for humans can upset a cat’s stomach and won’t make future teeth cleaning any easier. It is very important to use oral care products specifically designed for pets as to avoid hurting your cat’s teeth or mouth or even making them sick.