Cat Dental Care Tips
Cuddling with your cat would be more pleasant if it does not have that foul smell of a breath. Saliva, food particles, and bacteria are the best ingredients for feline halitosis so you better think about cat dental care. When the bacteria proliferate in your cat's mouth, it may cause gingivitis and gum inflammation. Worst case scenario would be seeing your cat's teeth fall out. Take time to plan out cat dental care with your vet so you can easily administer it at home.
Your cat needs regular brushing just like humans. Two to three times a week is enough to keep the mouth bacteria at bay. You will need a special toothbrush for cats that may be fitted to your index finger for easier cleaning. Cat toothpaste is also necessary since cats may swallow some of it and human toothpaste causes an upset stomach in pets. The best thing to do is to have your cat accustomed to brushing.
There are different cat toothpaste flavors like fish to help you with this goal. You may start by brushing a couple of front teeth first. Use soft circular motions and let your cat lick the toothpaste to get your pet used to the taste. It may take a bit of time in getting used to brushing but patience has its rewards.
For older cats, you can try dousing the toothbrush in a flavor that it likes best such as brine from a can of tune. Let the cat lick the tooth brush until it associates the toothbrush with treats. Kittens are even easier to train. Start by inspecting their teeth gently once in a while and when they are used to you poking their mouth, they will easily yield to you brushing their teeth. You do not need to brush the back teeth, focus on the incisors and make sure you also pay attention to the gum parts and scrub them gently as well.
Visiting a vet for cat dental care follow up is also a necessary procedure. Twice a year, bring your cat to a cat clinic to have a general dental check-up for gingivitis, infections and other oral health threats. X-rays of the teeth will also be taken to make sure there are no abscessed or fractured teeth.
Once a year, have your pet's whole mouth cleaned by a professional. The vet will sedate your cat and perform a checkup. The cat's mouth will be rinsed with a special solution that kills feline oral bacteria. The vet will then remove the plaque in a process called scaling and polish the teeth afterwards. Teeth that need to be extracted are also taken care of during this time.
Things that you can do at home to add to your cat dental care regimen are toning down treats and providing good chew toys. There are cat treats that are actually good for your pet's mouth. Avoid semi-moist treats and go for the dry ones instead. Some treats are also formulated to have tartar-control properties. Chew toys with abrasive property and flavored with chicken or fish are also good for your cat's teeth.