Cat Dental Health Starts in Kittenhood

You’re probably aware that dental health in people is really important, not only because of dental pain, bad breath, etc. but also for overall health. The same is true in cats. Infected teeth can shed loads of bacteria into the bloodstream with every chew, affecting the heart, kidneys, and other organs; not to mention causing pain that the cat can’t really tell us about. How do we prevent this?
First, if you get your cat as a kitten, “play doctor” with him/her. In regards to dental health, gently open the mouth (briefly) and then reward. This gets them used to handling, inspection of the teeth, and potentially tooth brushing, which you can start once the mouth is big enough for the tiniest cat toothbrush.
Second, diet/treats/medications. The best diet to prevent dental disease, for me, is Hill’s Diet T/D (Tarter Diet). I’ve used it for years in my own cats, and recently found out it’s the #1 diet for cats in Canada. You can feed it alone or mix it with other dry food. It doesn’t shatter like most kibbles, the tooth sinks into it and gets “brushed”. Also, there are dental treats which can help reduce tarter accumulation. There are liquid oral cleansers which can be added to water or sprayed directly onto the teeth, and there are wipes (Maxiguard) which can be pretty easy to use and can directly help clean teeth similar to a toothbrush.
Third, regular cleanings. Cleaning at home is with a toothbrush or dental wipes, if your cat allows this. Cleanings at your Veterinarian may start early with some cats, especially if there is significant gingivitis (reddened gums); other cats may not need their first dental until they’re 6-7 years old or even older. Partly this is due to genetics, partly due to diet, and partly due to dental care by their humans. A thorough dental should include x-rays – just like people. Unlike people, because cat’s won’s sit still and hold their mouth open, they need to be under anesthesia for a dental cleaning.
Hopefully this will encourage you to look into your kitty’s mouth regularly, consider dental diets or treats, maybe even try a toothbrush or wipes (short sessions, with rewards) and seek dental cleanings and/or more dental treatments (such as extractions, root canals, etc.) as needed. Your kitty (and their breath!) will thank you.
The Cat Doctor & Friends 661-259-5288.