Cat Dental Care at Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital
Why is dental care important for my cat?
Dental care is essential for your cat’s overall health because poor oral hygiene can lead to serious health issues.
Cats commonly develop periodontal disease, which can cause pain, gum inflammation, and tooth loss. Plaque and tartar build up can lead to infection and discomfort while eating.
Bacteria from dental infections can enter the bloodstream, affecting the heart, liver and kidneys.
How often should I brush my cat’s teeth?
Daily at home dental care is critical to maintaining oral hygiene. Daily brushing with an enzymatic cat specific toothpaste is the most effective method to slow plaque build up.
What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use for my cat?
Any toothbrush can be used for cats. Most of them prefer those with smaller heads and softer bristles. Toddler human toothbrushes are commonly used, or you can purchase cat specific toothbrushes and finger brushes.
- Can I use a human toothbrush and toothpaste? - It is not recommended to use human toothpaste for your cat. Human toothpaste often contains fluoride, xylitol, or foaming agents. Fluoride, even in small amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and toxicity. Xylitol is extremely toxic to pets, leading to low blood sugar and liver failure. Foaming agents can cause stomach upset if swallowed.
What are the signs of dental problems in cats?
Signs of dental problems in cats can include halitosis (bad breath), not eating well, avoiding hard kibble, overgrooming themselves, drooling, weight loss and more.
How can I tell if my cat has a toothache?
Cats are experts at hiding pain, so they may suffer tooth decay, infections or abscesses without showing obvious signs. Any changes in behavior or routine can indicate dental or oral pain and should be evaluated by your veterinarian.
What are the most common cat tooth infection symptoms?
As stated, in many cases cats do not show any symptoms of tooth pain or infection. In some cases you may notice facial swelling, excessive salivation, or bad breath.
What are the common dental diseases in cats?
Cats commonly suffer from several dental diseases including periodontal disease, tooth resorption, gingivitis, stomatitis, fractured teeth, malocclusions, and oral tumors. Bi-annual wellness exams are an important tool to monitor your cat’s teeth and check for these common dental diseases. Regular dental care, including professional dental cleanings and home care can prevent many of these issues.
How often should my cat have a professional dental cleaning?
Annual dental cleanings, also known as Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) are an important component of dental care for your cat.
The American College of Veterinary Dentistry (ACVD) recommends that cats have annual dental cleanings starting in their second year of life due to their increased risk for periodontal disease.
What can I do at home to prevent dental disease in my cat?
The best way to prevent dental disease is to actively engage in preventive dental care. Daily at home dental care including daily brushing, enzymatic dental chews, or oral rinses promote a healthy mouth.
In addition, your cat should have an annual comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment with your veterinarian.
Is bad breath in cats always a sign of dental disease?
While bad breath is the most common sign of dental disease, it can also signify other conditions including kidney disease, liver disease, cancer and more. If you have concerns about your cat’s breath, be sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian today!
Can my cat’s diet affect their dental health?
Yes, diet can affect overall dental health. Canned foods can stick to the teeth for long periods of time, thereby promoting plaque build up and bacterial growth, while crunchy food like kibble can help scrape tartar while your cat chews. However, some cats need to be on canned food, so speak with your veterinarian about ways to maintain oral hygiene.
What are the risks of not treating dental disease in cats?
Untreated dental disease in cats can lead to serious health complications including chronic pain and discomfort, tooth loss, infections and abscesses, difficulty eating and weight loss, behavioral changes, systemic health issues and increased risks of other diseases.
How can I make brushing my cat’s teeth easier?
Brushing your cat’s teeth can be challenging. These tips can make it easier:
- Start slow and be patient - introduce the process gradually to avoid stressing your cat; begin by letting them sniff and taste the toothpaste before using a brush
- Use the right tools - use a cat-specific toothpaste and choose a soft bristled brush designed for cats or a finger brush
- Make it a positive experience - reward with treats, praise or play after each session; keep sessions short - 30 seconds to a minute is enough
- Get your cat used to touch - start by gently rubbing their gums with your finger before introducing the toothbrush
- Choose the right time - brush when your cat is relaxed, such as after a meal or play session
- Try different positions - some cats prefer sitting in your lap, while others do better on a bed or table
- Be consistent - brush daily if possible, but even a few times a week can make a difference
Are there any dental treats or toys that can help keep my cat’s teeth clean?
If brushing is too difficult consider alternatives like wipes, water additives, or dental treats to help maintain oral health
There are many treats available to help keep your cat’s teeth clean and breath fresh. Not all treats are created equal, so we recommend using the Veterinary Oral Health Council as a reference when looking for treats that will be the most effective for your cat.
What should I expect during a professional dental cleaning for my cat?
A professional dental cleaning is a multistep process. Your veterinarian will complete a thorough physical examination to ensure your pet is healthy. Then they will perform comprehensive baseline blood work to evaluate total blood cell count and internal organ function screen to confirm that your cat’s metabolic function is safe for general anesthesia.
Cats are placed under general anesthesia for the duration of the procedure where we monitor heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure and more. The teeth are scaled with an ultrasonic scaler and full medical charting is done of all the teeth to check for pocketing, gum recession, resorptive lesions, enamel defects, and more.
Radiographs (x-rays) are taken of all the teeth to check for signs of bone loss, infection, and advanced periodontal disease. Then the teeth are polished to buff out any microscopic scratches in the enamel and makes it harder for plaque and bacteria to stick to the surface.
Can cats get cavities, and how are they treated?
While cats don’t often get cavities, they can get resorptive lesions which can look the same. Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs) can affect up to 60% of cats. They result in defects in the enamel and dentin of the tooth causing chronic pain and potential infection. Unfortunately, the only effective treatment for FORLs is removal of the tooth.
Why is my cat losing teeth?
Cats can lose teeth for many reasons, but they are most often related to Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs).
Why would my cat need to have teeth pulled?
The most common reason for cats to need teeth extracted is due to a broken tooth, tooth root abscesses, and FORLs.
Ready to schedule a dental appointment for your cat?
Call or Text us at (503) 968-2911, send us an email at [email protected] or