Now that your cat’s teeth are sparkling it is important to begin a dental care regime to prevent them from getting into the same condition again. We understand that this can be difficult, so below are some tricks and information which should help.
After a dental scale and polish it only takes 3 months before a cat’s teeth form plaque and tartar again if the dental care regime is not changed.
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is the yellow filmy covering on the teeth created by colonies of bacteria which gives us that furry feeling in the morning. This can be removed with brushing or chewing. Tartar (also known as calculus) is the hardening and calcifying of constant plaque deposits which cannot be removed by brushing, although brushing is still beneficial to prevent the condition from getting worse.
What are the health risks associated with dental disease?
- Plaque and infection below the gumline (sub-gingival plaque and inflammation).
- Tooth abscesses: These are extremely painful and can be difficult to treat.
- Halitosis: Smelly cat breath is not normal and always needs
- Chronic pain: Pain is normally one of the last symptoms to show up in dental disease as cats are very good at hiding it. Cats will often continue to eat even when they have very significant dental disease.
- Lack of grooming: Excessive salivation causes grooming to be difficult – many cats find this distressing and can become depressed.
- Tooth loss
- Stomatitis: this is an autoimmune disease where cats become allergic to their own plaque – causing inflammation and lesions which can extend from the mouth down into the throat. It’s particularly common in FIV patients.
- Gum disease (periodontitis).
- Dental disease is also associated with organ dysfunction e.g. Heart disease, Kidney failure and reduced immune function.
What can we do to look after our cat’s teeth?
As with our own teeth, brushing is best! Even cats that eat a mainly dry diet will only chew with a few teeth on one side of their mouths, so the rest of the teeth are left untouched. Daily tooth brushing with an appropriate oral gel is the ideal dental care regime for your cat. We understand that this is sometimes easier said than done, so start off gradually and work your way up to make it a daily process. If you are struggling, feel free to come in and see us for a demonstration.
How to clean your cat’s teeth:
- Choose a time and place where you and your cat feel relaxed. Ideally have you cat on your lap facing away from you. For the first week, start off by massaging your cat’s head and cheeks, occasionally lifting the lips (one side at a time). Try and do this once a day and keep each session short.
- On the second week introduce your cat to toothpaste. This should always be pet toothpaste, never human toothpaste as it may contain toxic components. They are available in different flavours, including poultry and fish. You can see if they will lick it off your finger or can place it on one of their front paws. Try with a pea size amount once a day, whilst still continuing to repeat Step 1 daily. You can also use a cotton bud to gently massage a small amount of toothpaste onto your cat’s teeth and gums.
- After a couple of weeks, once you have a toothpaste that your cat likes the taste of, you can start brushing your cat’s teeth and gum line. You can use a pet toothbrush, a small child’s toothbrush or a finger brush. Apply a pea sized amount of paste into the brush making sure the paste is pressed into the bristles. Start by brushing one or two of the back teeth at a time, adding in another tooth every few days. Brush them in a circular motion. Only spend a few seconds daily brushing your cat’s teeth and gradually build it up to around 30 seconds on each side once you have established your tooth brushing regime. You should ideally brush your cat’s teeth once a day.
Tips
- Always start by brushing the molars and pre-molars (back teeth) first and then the incisors (front teeth) as the incisor are more sensitive. Also, tartar tends to build up on the molars and pre-molars more so pay most attention to these.
- Always go slowly and gently, stopping at any point where your cat begins to fuss as we don’t want them to see this as a bad experience.
- If your cat shows any signs of pain while you’re brushing their teeth or you see reddening of the gums, stop brushing and book an appointment with the vet for a dental check.
- You can use dental treats or dental dry food after each session. You can also give them daily when you are establishing the brushing routine. If you are using treats or food then you need to make sure you adjust your cats daily food allowance accordingly. The nurses can help you with this if needed. You can also reward them with a play session with their favourite toy.
- Cats like routine so is best to try and brush your cat’s teeth at a similar time every day.
Although tooth brushing is ideal, it will not be suitable for all characters of cats, especially if they were not introduced to it at a young age. For these tricky felines there are other alternatives, including the following:
- Gels and toothpastes: As well as used with a toothbrush, these can also be rubbed onto your cats teeth with your finger, and also put on their paws to be licked off. They generally contain enzymes that break down plaque.
- Dental diets: there are a range of diets that are specially shaped to help the teeth remove plaque by chewing. Some also contain enzymes that break down plaque.
- Oral hygiene rinses: These liquids are added to drinking water on a daily basis, and are designed to be swallowed.
- Plaque off: A granule formulated from seaweed, this product is sprinkled onto food to help the cat’s saliva to break down plaque.