Taking care of your cat’s teeth is crucial for their overall health. While cats are often seen as independent creatures, when it comes to their dental health, they could use a little extra help.
Why is cat dental care important?
Cats can develop many dental diseases due to their curious nature. Common dental diseases include periodontal disease, gingivitis, and tooth decay. These issues can progress into more severe conditions and may impact other organs. In worst cases, untreated dental problems can affect a cat’s heart, liver, and kidneys.
Starting a routine
Begin regularly brushing your cat’s teeth and massaging their gums when they’re young. Not only does this promote the growth of clean teeth and healthy gums, but it also helps them get used to the process early on. Watch out for bites on your first few tries and reach out to your vet if you need support and guidance.
Fun fact: Kittens are born with 28 baby teeth, which naturally fall out around four months old, making way for a new set of adult teeth.
Turning it into a habit
By the time cats reach adulthood, they’ll have 30 fully grown teeth. With more teeth, they become more prone to dental problems. Around 70% of cats over three years old deal with dental diseases, so it’s critical to regularly brush their teeth to prevent plaque and tartar build-up. This can help reduce the risk of more serious diseases.
Symptoms to watch out for
Sometimes, having white teeth does not indicate your cat has healthy teeth. You also need to watch out for the following symptoms:
- Smelly breath
- Inflamed or bleeding gums
- Increased drooling
- Loose teeth
- Discoloured teeth
- Facial swelling
- Decreased appetite
Any of these symptoms could indicate an underlying dental condition, like oral infections or gingivitis.
Reach out to your vet as soon as you notice unusual symptoms in your cat.
Dental care beyond brushing
Besides making teeth brushing a regular part of your cat’s routine, there are additional steps you can include in your dental routine to help keep your cat’s teeth and gums clean and healthy.
- Dental chews:
Treats designed to clean teeth as your cat enjoys a good gnaw. - Water additives:
Designed to supplement other dental remedies and freshen breath.
Just like us, keeping up with regular dental check-ups is key to maintaining good oral health. Book an appointment for a dental check-up and find out if your clinic offers the Best for Pet wellness plan to receive a $250 discount on dental cleaning.
