If you’re caring for a feline friend, you are no doubt aware of the importance of taking care of their dental health. The average cat spends about two hours every day chewing on various items, including food, toys, and furniture. If your cat does not receive proper dental care, it could develop a number of health problems later on in life.
This article will explore steps to keep your cat’s teeth healthy and sparkling, but first, we will look at the common dental issues in cats.
Common Dental Problems In Cats
Cats can suffer from a variety of dental diseases, three of which are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a condition in which the gums become swollen, red, and sensitive. It mainly affects senior cats, whose teeth are prone to plaque buildup.
Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease is when gingivitis has reached a very advanced stage and occurs more frequently in older cats. The soft tissue around the teeth is usually swollen and often recedes away from the tooth itself.
Tooth Resorption: Feline tooth resorption occurs when the body breaks down and absorbs parts of a cat’s teeth. The process usually starts at the enamel near the gum line, then spreads toward the center of the teeth.
Many cats do not show signs of dental disease that would be detectable by their owners. If your cat does show symptoms of dental problems, they may include excessive drooling, pawing at her mouth, a chattering jaw, discomfort while chewing, and dropping food while eating.
Steps To Prevent Dental Disease In Cats
Cat parents should follow these steps to help prevent dental disease in their cats.
1. Dental Diet
Feeding your cat dry food that has dental benefits helps promote mechanical cleaning and protects against disease. These foods are carefully designed to encourage chewing, which helps remove plaque from your cat’s teeth.
Cats who eat only wet food are more likely to develop gingivitis and lose their teeth as they age, so be sure you provide them with a variety of both types.
2. Dental Treats And Chews
Dental treats offer both taste and function. These treats are made with a texture that helps scrub your cat’s teeth as she chews, preventing plaque and tartar buildup.
In addition, the treats’ ingredients contain essential vitamins and minerals that benefit your cat’s overall health and promote fresh breath.
3. Regular Dental Care At Home
To keep your cat’s teeth clean, brush them at least once a week with special toothpaste made for animals. It’s important to start brushing your cat’s teeth as soon as possible so that they grow accustomed to the process early in life.
Using toothpaste that is made with beef or chicken flavoring can make this process more palatable for your cat. Let your cat taste the toothpaste on a finger and then apply it to his teeth with a small brush or finger brush. This is a great way to help him get used to the sensation of having his teeth cleaned.
4. Regular Veterinary Visits
Your vet may also share tips on how you can care for a cat’s teeth at home, clean them yourself, or change their diet. If it’s something that might need a dental scale and polish or tooth extraction, then your vet will advise you on the best dental plan and any other recommendations in order to get your cat’s oral health back on track.
Exceptional Pets Green Valley Will Provide Superior Dental Care For Your Super Pet
At Exceptional Pets Green Valley, we believe every pet deserves a clean mouth, healthy teeth, and a bright smile.
That’s why we offer regular appointments for routine dental care. Your pets will love getting a thorough exam from our team of friendly staff members. We’ll ensure they’re comfortable while they get their teeth cleaned or have any other dental work done.
Give us a call to schedule an appointment for your pet’s dental checkup.