Your Guide to Dental Cleaning for Cats

As humans, we have long been aware of the importance of dental hygiene. Poor dental health can lead to pain, gum disease and tooth loss, as well as the risk of infection which can spread around the body. We all clean our teeth and visit the dentist regularly. But what about cat dental cleaning?

Our feline pets’ oral health is also intrinsically linked with their overall health and wellness. But unlike humans, animals are unable to tell us when they’re feeling unwell or have a toothache. Sadly, dental disease is common in cats, so it’s up to us cat parents to step up and make a plan for our pets’ preventative oral care.

Do Cats Need Dental Cleanings?

As a veterinarian, I have seen many patients with dental disease and gingivitis. It often surprises owners just how soon these can develop in a young cat’s life. In fact, dental disease affects between 50-90% of cats over the age of four! In the United States, one study found that the two most common disorders reported in cats visiting the vets were dental calculus and gingivitis.

Signs that your pet may be suffering from dental disease or oral pain include bad breath, drooling and facial swelling. They may also eat less, drop food out of their mouths when eating, hide away more or rub their face against the floor or furniture. You may even see blood, or blood-tinged saliva, from the mouth.

Dental problems are often painful and affect a cat’s wellbeing: the way they eat, groom and behave. Oral problems can also progress rapidly, and lead to tooth loss and even infections that can spread around the body and affect the heart, kidneys and other major organs. Common dental problems in cats include plaque and calculus build up, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), tooth resorption and periodontal disease.

Keeping on top of your cat’s dental hygiene is not only good for their health, but also their general comfort and happiness.

Professional Teeth Cleaning for Cats

Your cat should have a dental check with a veterinarian regularly – at least once a year.

Cats should have regular health examinations with a veterinarian. One part of this thorough exam will focus on your cat’s teeth and general oral health. Your veterinarian may recommend a dental cleaning if your cat’s mouth shows signs of calculus, decay or abnormalities on the teeth, or any gum disease.

Professional teeth cleaning is performed by veterinarians under general anesthesia. The anesthetic allows the protection of your kitty’s airway as well as keeping them still for the procedure. A special tube is placed in your pet’s airway when under anesthetic. This tube delivers anesthetic gas and oxygen. The tube also prevents any debris during the cleaning process from being aspirated into your kitty’s lungs. Inhaling debris increases the risk of your pet developing pneumonia.

With your kitty safely asleep and with their airway protected, the veterinarian can perform a full assessment of the teeth, including x-rays if needed. The integrity of each tooth is examined, including assessment of the gum health. Teeth are cleaned using an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar, including below the gum line where debris often gathers and then polished. If any teeth are broken, have cavities or resorptive lesions, these can be treated as necessary.

Cleaning Your Cat’s Teeth at Home

Toothbrushing has been found to effectively reduce gingivitis and other dental problems in cats.

One of the best ways you can care for your cat’s dental health is to make oral care part of your pet’s routine.

Here are some ways to boost your cat’s dental care.

1. Toothbrushing

The most effective oral care you can perform for your kitty is to brush their teeth regularly. Invest in a suitable cat toothbrush, and always use a cat toothpaste (human toothpaste has a high fluoride content).

Unsure how to get started? There’s a great guide to toothbrushing here, but here’s a quick summary:

• Start by getting your cat used to the toothpaste by smearing a little around their mouth, teeth or gums and letting them lick at it
• Then try introducing the toothbrush. At first, just try to touch it around their mouth and let them sniff at it and investigate it
• Practice lifting their gums and touching the toothbrush to their teeth
• Slowly start brushing the teeth gently with toothpaste. Start with the front teeth and gradually work towards the back
• Keep sessions short, and give lots of praise to encourage a positive experience
• Brush teeth regularly – at least twice a week

2. Dental treats

If your kitty is adamant that no brush will touch their delicate, pearly whites then there are a huge range of dental treats from which to choose. It’s important to remember though that many of these treats can be high in fat and calories which may not be suitable for kitties that are overweight or have some health issues. These treats can reward your healthy and active cat while helping to maintain your pet’s fresh breath and oral hygiene.

Read More: Best Cat Dental Treats

3. Dental toys

Dental toys are another great option to help maintain your cat’s dental health while also providing exercise and mental stimulation. Some of these have a net-like material that can act similarly to dental floss for humans.

Other toys may contain pet-safe natural fibers to encourage chewing behavior. Always monitor your pet’s play. Remove broken or damaged toys to prevent anything untoward from happening to your pet.

4. Dental Diets

Nutritionally balanced, prescription dental diets generally contain kibbles of varying shapes and sizes to encourage chewing while providing mild abrasion to the tooth surfaces, removing plaque that can build up. These diets are an excellent inclusion to your kitty’s dental program.

Taking a multi-modal approach toward your kitty’s dental care will maximize the benefits for your pet. Use a selection of dental treats, toys and brushing at home. Coupling this with periodic cleaning under anesthesia will help your pet to maintain a healthy mouth.