Your cat’s dental care is important and helping them maintain good oral health is likely to improve their quality of life. It might surprise you to know that cats commonly suffer with dental problems, but their owners are often none-the-wiser as they’re so good hiding their discomfort. With that in mind, and in the spirit of National Pet Dental Health Month this February, we wanted to highlight the significance dental diseases can have on our furry felines, and how to prevent, identify and treat them. Toothbrushes at the ready… Yes, really!
Common Kitty Dental Diseases: Gingivitis, Periodontitis and Tooth Resorption
The three most common dental diseases in cats are gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth resorption, and the severity of each condition can vary significantly.
Gingivitis is a condition in which the gums around the teeth become inflamed (red, swollen and painful). This inflammation is usually the result of a process that begins with a build-up of plaque that harbors bacteria on the teeth.
Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports the teeth. Gum disease in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, but it is most commonly associated with a bacterial infection. Bacteria under the gumline leads to pain and inflammation of the tissue and can subsequently cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss, or painful abscesses. Although gum disease is common, the good news is that it’s largely preventable in cats with effective dental care.
Tooth resorption is a process by which the dentin in a tooth (a hard tissue that lies beneath the enamel of the tooth) erodes and eventually becomes irreparably destroyed. Over time, all areas of the affected tooth may be affected. The exact cause of tooth resorption is still unknown, but some researchers suggest that infection or inflammation from periodontal disease may lead to the movement of odontoclastic cells into the area.
As we mentioned earlier, it can be difficult to spot if your cat is battling with a dental disease, but there are a few signs to look out for:
- Uninterested in eating
- Refusing hardtreats
- Chewing more slowly than usual
- Dropping food from their mouth while chewing
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Reticence to having their face and/or mouth touched
If your cat shows any of these signs, speak to your vet. They’ll be able to talk to you about the best treatment for your feline friend and what you can do to help them feel better.
How to Keep your Cats Teeth Clean
As with most things in life, prevention is better than cure. If you ever thought that cats take good care of their oral hygiene alone then the idea of brushing their teeth may seem out of the ordinary. But just like us, brushing our pets’ teeth is an excellent way to prevent a build-up of plaque. Adult cats can be quite resistant to having their teeth cleaned so it’s a good idea to get them used to this process and to having your fingers in their mouth from when they’re kittens. You won’t need to brush them every day although the more regularly you do it, the better.
You will need to find a toothpaste that is suitable for your cat (never use toothpaste formulated for humans as the ingredients are toxic to animals). You can brush your cat’s teeth with sterile gauze strips, a rubber toothbrush or a finger brush specifically designed for felines – all available at Rooke’s Pet Products!
Brushing your cats teeth may require some trial and error, but it will improve their dental care and so will ultimately be worth it.
Cleaning Kitty’s Teeth with Chews
Chewing and gnawing helps to maintain your cat’s oral health as it scrapes the plaque off the teeth in the same way that brushing would.
Dental chews such as Purina Dentalife for cats promote good oral hygiene as they tackle plaque and battle bad breath, plus they’re a tasty treat your furry friend will enjoy!
Chew toys are also a great way to help your cat keep their mouth clean. #RookesRecommends Kitty Kong dental toys; Not only will this toy keep your cat entertained, but they have specially designed grooves that are perfect for cleaning teeth and gums.
How your Cats Diet can Affect their Oral Health
Similarly to humans, providing cats with a healthy and balanced diet will limit the chance of dental problems. Although diet alone will not control plaque, specially formulated dental diets can help maintain healthy teeth and gums. For example, Canagan pet food (available for dogs and cats), uses anti-plaque remedies, delicious flavours and key nutrients to fulfil your cats’ instincts whilst cleaning their teeth.
It’s worth considering switching your cat’s diet to dry food, otherwise known as kibble, to help with their dental care. We know that chewing and gnawing on treats and toys helps cats to remove plaque from their teeth, and it’s the same with their food.
On a side note, you should avoid feeding your feline friend sugary treats as they have no nutritional value and can erode enamel, leading to tooth decay.
A Professional Clean
One of the best ways to ensure your cat has optimal oral health is to take them for a professional teeth clean at your vets. The vet will clean your cats’ teeth above and below the gum line, removing any plaque and tartar before polishing them. Then they’ll use a dental probe to search for other potential tooth and gum issues (much like a dentist would on human teeth).
Cats use their mouths for more than just eating; They use them for play, exploring and tasting their surroundings too. As responsible pet owners, it’s important we take the time to look after their teeth, helping to prevent nasty dental diseases in addition to plaque build-up, tartar, gum inflammation and bad breath (halitosis).
We have over 7000 products stocked in our High Street store, many of which can help you to keep your cats’ teeth clean. So what are you waiting for? Pop in and see us! Our friendly, experienced and cat-friendly team are on hand to help you find the right products for your feline pet.
And for any kitty concerns around dental care, always contact your vet if you’re worried something may be causing them discomfort.