Keeping Your Cat’s Teeth Clean
Be Vigilant
Be vigilant when it comes to keeping your cat’s teeth clean. That mild fishy scent known as “kitty breath” is normal. However, if you cat has foul breath, this is a strong indication that he or she is having oral problems.
Without proper treatment, your cat’s breath is only going to get worse. Similar to people, when an animal has bad breath and is drooling, the cause often related to gum disease and/or tooth decay.
Establish a Cleaning Routine
Adult cats are often more resistant when it comes to teeth cleaning. Therefore, it is ideal to start while they are young. You can do this by using a finger cot or gauze, along with toothpaste specifically for cats. These toothpastes even have unique flavors that your cat is sure to love. In addition, you can try dipping your finger in tuna water before rubbing it on your cat’s gums.
You can cradle your cat from behind, cup his chin and lift up his lip to clean his teeth. Use either your gauze covered finger or a kitty toothbrush.
Stimulate Their Gums
Tooth decay typically begins with irritation or inflammation of the gums. So, however you are able to maintain your cat’s oral health, don’t forget to massage his gums when you can.
Stimulating your cat’s gums not only accelerates healing, but it will also strengthen their gums. Therefore, your cat will be less likely to suffer from gum issues further on. Gums are normally pink and healthy, not red in appearance.
Healthy Diet
Diet is another essential factor in maintaining your cat’s teeth for good health. Make sure to feed your cat a combination of wet and dry foods and vary the meats, too. Besides fish, you can also feed your cat beef and rabbit.
Tartar control treats and chews are okay in moderation. However, they are no sufficient for effectively cleaning your cat’s teeth. If you regularly clean your cat’s teeth, special food supplements can be a good addition to an already healthy diet. Consider using healthy chews and treats as a reward for good behavior.
Professional Dental Cleanings
When it comes to keeping your cat’s teeth clean, professional dental cleanings are ideal. Unfortunately, a dental checkup for cats is something most people don’t think about. However, just like people, cats suffer from dental issues. Our veterinarian can examine your cat’s teeth and address any issues we find.
It is important to let us know if your cat has bad breath or is bleeding form the mouth. This is usually noticeable after eating dry food.
Occasional bleeding gums are nothing to become too alarmed about. However, if your cat has a combination of bleeding gums and bad breath accompanied by drooling, then he likely needs a deep cleaning or even a tooth extraction.
Our vets here at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center are experienced in preventing, locating and treating any issues that might go unnoticed by even the most dedicated dog owner. Contact us with the link below for more information!
