Brushing your cat’s teeth is highly recommended for their overall health. Feline dental care is a powerful tool for preventing discomfort and serious health issues. Just like in humans, a cat’s mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body. Maintaining oral hygiene is a proactive measure that contributes significantly to their longevity and ensures they maintain a healthy mouth throughout life.
Why Feline Dental Care is Essential
Neglecting a cat’s oral hygiene allows bacteria to accumulate, forming a sticky film called plaque on the tooth surface. Within days, this plaque mineralizes and hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing alone and irritates the gum line. This progression leads to periodontal disease, a common condition affecting most cats over the age of three.
The initial stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, characterized by inflammation, redness, and swelling of the gums. This stage is reversible with professional cleaning and consistent home care. If left unaddressed, the infection progresses to periodontitis, where the bacteria destroy the tissues supporting the teeth. This leads to gum recession, bone loss, and painful tooth mobility, often requiring tooth extraction to alleviate pain.
Beyond the mouth, chronic infection and inflammation associated with severe dental disease pose systemic health risks. Bacteria from the infected gums can enter the bloodstream (bacteremia) and travel to distant organs. This can potentially affect the function of the heart, liver, and kidneys, leading to more serious conditions.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Brushing
Successful tooth brushing begins with gathering the correct tools, which must be specifically designed for felines. You must use veterinary-approved cat toothpaste, as human toothpaste contains ingredients like fluoride and detergents that are toxic if swallowed. Cat toothpaste is formulated with pet-safe enzymes and comes in appealing flavors like poultry or seafood to encourage acceptance.
The brush itself should be soft and small. Options include a finger brush, a small pet toothbrush, or a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. The goal is to use a tool that allows you to gently reach the tooth surface and the gum line.
Acclimatization is the most important step. Start by simply handling your cat’s mouth and muzzle for a few seconds daily, rewarding them with praise or a treat.
Once your cat tolerates mouth handling, introduce the toothpaste by letting them lick a small amount off your finger to get them used to the taste. Next, place a small amount of paste on the brush and allow your cat to lick or gently chew on it. This process should be gradual, taking several days or even weeks, until your cat is comfortable with the brush in their mouth.
When you begin brushing, focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth, particularly the large cheek teeth and the canine teeth, where plaque accumulates most quickly. Gently lift the lip and use a soft, circular motion, concentrating on the area where the gum meets the tooth surface. Daily brushing is considered the most beneficial frequency, though brushing at least three times a week is the minimum recommendation.
Other Effective Dental Health Options
While brushing is the gold standard for plaque removal, other methods can support your cat’s oral health, especially if daily brushing proves challenging. Professional veterinary cleanings remain a necessary component of dental care. These procedures allow for the removal of hardened tartar both above and below the gum line under anesthesia. They also include dental X-rays to identify painful issues hidden beneath the gums, such as bone loss or tooth resorption.
Certain diets and treats are formulated to help reduce plaque and tartar accumulation through mechanical or chemical action. Products that have earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance have met specific standards for reducing plaque or tartar by at least 20% in clinical trials. Look for this seal on dental products to ensure the item has scientific backing.
Water additives and oral gels contain ingredients designed to reduce bacteria in the mouth, which can help slow the formation of plaque. These products are generally easy to administer, either by adding a measured amount to your cat’s drinking water or applying a gel directly to the gums.