If you are a cat owner or are planning to get yourself your very own feline, then you may have heard how important it is to make sure your cat’s teeth remain clean.
In fact, dental disease is the most common health problem that cats face. Unfortunately, cats can’t brush their own teeth, so it is vital to learn how to keep your cat’s teeth clean, or else they are sure to face future dental problems.
Cat Teeth Cleaning: Key Points
- Prevent Dental Disease: Regular cat teeth cleaning is essential to avoid dental problems, as dental disease is the most common health issue in cats.
- Signs of Dental Problems: Watch for bad breath, inflamed gums, excessive drooling, and difficulty eating as indicators of poor dental health.
- At-Home Dental Care: Brush your cat’s teeth regularly using a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, and consider dental-friendly diets, chew toys, and water additives.
- Professional Cleanings: Schedule bi-annual dental checkups and cleanings at Westmonte Animal Clinic to maintain your cat’s oral health and prevent periodontal disease.
- Importance of Early Intervention: Addressing dental issues early can prevent pain and more serious health problems down the line.
Why It Is Important to Not Neglect Your Cat’s Teeth Cleaning
If neglected, house cats will face dental problems. While wild cats traditionally cleaned their teeth with bones and even grass, house cats have lost that practice. As a result, you’ll have to step up and take care of your cat’s dental care.
This is especially important, considering that a cat suffering from a lack of dental health can be hard to identify. In other words, your cat could very well be in a lot of pain without you knowing why or even realizing it.
However, there are signs of poor dental health or disease that you can look for.
Signs of Dental Disease in Cats
There are six main signs that your cat may be suffering from bad dental health or disease:
- Bad Breath—If you notice that your cat has bad breath even after a good cleaning, then it may be suffering from dental disease.
- Red or Inflamed Gums—Prolonged red or inflamed gums could be a sign of a disease or infection and will most likely only worsen if not treated.
- Excessive Drooling—Excessive drooling can be a sign that your cat is experiencing a lot of pain in their mouth.
- Brownish-Yellow Buildup Along the Gum Line—This is a sure sign that, at the very least, your cat needs a thorough dental cleaning.
- Rubbing or Pawing at Their Face—Just like humans, if cats are experiencing dental pain, they will probably be rubbing their jaw.
- Dropping Food on the Floor While They’re Eating—This can be a sign of sharp dental pain when your cat bites into their food and should be investigated.
How to Care for Your Cat’s Teeth
Cat teeth cleaning can be a tedious task at times. One of the best ways to clean their teeth is by brushing them. This can be done by using a specialty cat toothbrush or finger brushes along with toothpaste that is made specifically for cats (do not use human toothpaste). First, learn how to pick up your cat!
Brushing daily or at least three times a week will help protect against any future dental problems. Starting when they are kittens will ensure they become accustomed to the procedure.
There are also some less direct methods, including putting your cat on a dental-friendly diet, using chew toys and treats meant to promote dental hygiene, and even giving your cat a bone to chew on.
For basic dental health, you can use water additives to help reduce the formation of tartar and plaque in your cat’s mouth. Another excellent method is applying a gel to your cat’s mouth that will help clean the teeth and gums.
Lastly, it is important to schedule at least two yearly checkups at your local animal clinic for cat teeth examinations and thorough cleanings.
Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost
The cost of a cat teeth cleaning varies depending on a variety of factors. It’s a good idea to ask your veterinarian for an estimate before beginning your cat’s procedure. The cost varies depending on:
- General Anesthesia: Will your cat need to be put under anesthesia for more extensive care or will a good brushing by a professional take care of it?
- Oral Exam: Did your cat already go through the oral examination or is that part of the treatment plan?
- Extractions: Are any extractions needed due to an infected tooth or gum disease?
- Overall Oral Health: Is your cat’s mouth in good condition or is there a lot of cleaning up to do?
Westmonte Animal Clinic
If you find that your cat is suffering from a lack of dental health or just want to schedule a cleaning, then Westmonte Animal Clinic can provide you with everything you need, including examinations and in-depth cleanings.
In-depth cat teeth cleanings are vital to your cat’s overall health. At Westmonte Animal Clinic, a deep clean includes cleaning your cat’s gums and teeth. By using an ultrasonic scaler, hand scaler, and a high-speed polishing tool, the professionals at Westmonte Animal Clinic will be able to remove any plaque and tartar and smooth out the enamel surfaces.
Plus, your cat’s mouth will be examined for any signs of disease, and a treatment will be offered if needed.
So, if it’s about time for your cat’s bi-annual cleaning or you need to take your cat in to get a dental examination, contact Westmonte Animal Clinic for all your feline’s needs in the greater Orlando, Florida area.
Keep Your Cat’s Smile Healthy
All in all, cats, just like dogs, have dental needs. Since housecats don’t take care of their own teeth, that responsibility will have to fall on you. While brushing their teeth is the most direct approach, there are many other ways to help keep your cat’s dental health in good condition.
Lastly, having a professional clean and examine your cat’s teeth twice a year will ensure that your cat’s dental needs are addressed and taken care of.
