Dental care is just as important for cats as it is for humans. In fact, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they are 3 years old. This can lead to a number of health problems down the road, so it’s important to take steps to provide proper dental care for your cat. In this blog post, we will discuss four steps that you can take to keep your cat’s teeth healthy and sparkling!
What Causes Dental Problems for Cats?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to dental problems for cats. One of the most common is a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. This can happen when food particles and bacteria collect on the teeth and are not removed properly. Over time, this can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
Another common cause of dental problems in cats is a lack of proper nutrition. Cats that do not eat a balanced diet are more likely to develop dental problems than those that do. So, what can you do to prevent these problems from happening? Below are four steps that you can take to ensure your cat’s teeth are healthy and strong.
Step One: Feed Your Cat a Nutritious Diet
As we mentioned above, one of the best ways to prevent dental problems in cats is to feed them a nutritious diet. This means giving them food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. You should also avoid feeding them wet food, as this can contribute to plaque build-up. There are a number of specially-formulated cat foods on the market that are designed to promote dental health, so talk to your veterinarian about which one is right for your cat.
Step Two: Brush Your Cat’s Teeth Regularly
Just like humans, cats need to have their teeth brushed regularly in order to prevent plaque and tartar build-up. You can purchase a special cat toothbrush and toothpaste at your local pet store, or ask your veterinarian for recommendations. It’s important to start brushing your cat’s teeth when they are young, so they get used to the process. You may also want to consider having your cat’s teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian every year or so. There’s no definite answer to the question of how regular these check-ups need to be. Instead, make sure to do it whenever your little friends start experiencing problems, which we are going to talk about later in the article.
How Does This Process Work?
Professional teeth cleaning by a veterinarian generally require your cat to be put under anesthesia. This is because the process involves scaling and polishing the teeth, which can be uncomfortable for cats. Once your cat is asleep, the vet will clean its teeth using ultrasonic instruments. They will also Floss your cat’s teeth and apply a fluoride treatment.
After the procedure, your cat will be awake and able to go home the same day. You may notice that their breath smells fresher and their teeth are sparkling white!
After the Procedure
Once the procedure is complete, your cat will be awake and able to go home. You may notice that their breath smells better and that their teeth are sparkling clean! It’s important to continue brushing your cat’s teeth on a regular basis and to have them professionally cleaned every year or so in order to maintain their oral health.
Step Three: Provide Your Cat with Dental Chews and Toys
Dental chews and toys are a great way to help keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy. These products are designed to massage the gums and remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. There are a variety of different dental chews and toys on the market, so talk to your veterinarian about which ones are right for your cat.
Step Four: Have Your Cat’s Teeth Checked Regularly by a Veterinarian
Finally, it’s important to have your cat’s teeth checked regularly by a veterinarian. This will help to catch any problems early on and prevent them from becoming more serious. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend a dental care plan that is right for your cat.
Commonest Dental Problems Among Cats
The most common dental diseases found in cats are gingivitis and periodontitis.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a common and reversible gum disease that causes redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque on the teeth.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
Both of these conditions are preventable with proper dental care. So, be sure to follow the steps outlined above in order to keep your cat’s teeth healthy and strong!
What are the Indicators of a Bad Dental Health?
Now, let’s take a look at the most common indicators among cats.
Excessive Drooling
One of the most common indicators of poor dental health among cats is excessive drooling. Sure, that doesn’t mean that every time your little friend drools you have a problem on your hands. If you notice that your cat is drooling more than usual, it’s a good idea to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up. That way, you will be able to determine whether this excessive drooling was caused by bad dental health or not. After that, the veterinarian will provide you with the therapy that will help take care of these issues.
Bad Breath
Another common indicator of dental problems among cats is bad breath. If you notice that your cat’s breath smells particularly foul, it’s a good idea to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up. In most cases, bad breath is caused by plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth. This can be remedied with professional teeth cleaning.
Decreased Appetite
If you notice that your cat is eating less than usual, it could be a sign of poor dental health. When cats have dental problems, they often experience pain when they try to eat. As a result, they may start to lose their appetite. If you notice that your cat is eating less than usual, it’s a good idea to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up.
Difficulty Eating
Another common indicator of dental problems among cats is difficulty eating. If you notice that your cat is having trouble chewing its food, it’s a good idea to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up. In most cases, this difficulty is caused by pain in the mouth or teeth. As a result, your cat may start to avoid eating altogether. If you notice that your cat is having trouble eating, it’s a good idea to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up. Of course, not eating enough can cause a wide array of different problems in the future.
Visible Tartar on the Teeth
One of the most obvious indicators of poor dental health among cats is visible tartar on the teeth. If you notice that your cat’s teeth are covered in tartar, it’s a good idea to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up. In most cases, this tartar can be removed with professional teeth cleaning.
Anxiety or Aggression
If you notice that your cat is acting anxious or aggressive, it could be a sign of poor dental health. When cats have dental problems, they often experience pain. As a result, they may start to act out in order to relieve this pain. If you notice that your cat is acting anxious or aggressive, it’s a good idea to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up.
How to Treat Cat’s Dental Problems?
Cats are susceptible to a variety of dental problems, just like humans. The good news is that these problems can be treated with the help of a veterinarian.
The first step in treating your cat’s dental problems is to have them examined by a veterinarian. They will be able to determine the cause of the problem and recommend the best course of treatment. In most cases, the veterinarian will recommend professional teeth cleaning. This is a simple procedure that involves removing the plaque and tartar from your cat’s teeth.
After the teeth have been cleaned, the veterinarian will likely recommend a dental care plan for you to follow at home. This plan may include brushing your cat’s teeth on a regular basis. You should also make sure to feed them a healthy diet and give them plenty of opportunities to chew.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are a number of steps that you can take to ensure your cat’s dental health. By following these steps, you can help to prevent dental problems and keep your cat’s teeth healthy and strong. If you have any concerns about your cat’s dental health, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to provide you with the information and resources you need to ensure your cat’s smile stays healthy for years to come!
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