How to Clean Your Cat's Teeth

Much like people, cats can suffer from painful dental health issues due to injury or poor oral hygiene. But what exactly is good oral hygiene for cats, and what sort of dental care do cats need? Our Lisle vets explain how to clean your cat's mouth and keep their teeth healthy.

Why is cat teeth cleaning important?

Cat teeth cleaning is crucial for maintaining your feline friend's overall health. Dental diseases are common in cats, and neglecting their oral hygiene can lead to severe health issues.

Plaque and tartar buildup can cause gum inflammation, bad breath, tooth decay, and even more serious conditions like periodontal disease. In some cases, bacteria from the mouth can even enter the bloodstream, affecting vital organs such as the heart and kidneys.

Regular teeth cleaning for cats helps prevent these problems, ensuring your cat remains healthy and happy.

How to Clean Your Cat's Teeth at Home

Maintaining a daily dental hygiene routine for your cat could help to keep your feline friend's teeth and gums healthy throughout their lifetime. To make cleaning your cat's teeth at home as easy and stress-free as possible, establish a daily oral hygiene routine for your cat while they are still a kitten. This way, your cat will be accustomed to having its teeth brushed and mouth touched from a young age.

Strive to make brushing your cat's teeth a stress-free and easy part of your kitty's daily routine. Start by waiting until your cat is calm and relaxed, then follow these steps:

1. Gently lift your cat's lips, then use your finger to massage their teeth and gums for just a few seconds.
2. Don't expect too much from your cat at first. You may only be able to reach a couple of teeth the first few times you try this process. That's okay, though. This is about building trust in your cat to help prevent them from becoming agitated. 
3. Remain calm, and be sure to give lots of praise and a yummy treat afterwards. You're trying to build your cat’s tolerance to the experience, gradually increasing the length of time you spend on the task each day.
4. Once your feline friend is used to you massaging their gums each day, you will be able to introduce a soft-bristled toothbrush and some special cat toothpaste. Toothpaste can come in a range of excellent flavors for cats, such as beef or chicken.
5. Begin using the toothbrush as gradually as you did the teeth-and-gum massage. To get them accustomed to it, your cat may can lick just a small dab of toothpaste from your finger. 

Be Patient While Your Cat Gets Used Teeth Cleaning

The level of success you achieve when it comes to cleaning your cat's teeth will largely depend on your their temperament. Make sure you are calm, relaxed, flexible, and willing to adapt your approach to your cat's level of tolerance. Many cat owners have a very easy time cleaning their pet's teeth with some gauze; others find a finger brush works well, and others apply a dental gel with their fingers that they allow to do the work for them.

When you finally begin brushing your cat's teeth successfully, move along the gum line, working quickly but stopping before your cat becomes irritated. It could be weeks before your kitty tolerates having all of its teeth cleaned during a single session.

If your kitty is stressed or alarmed by teeth cleaning, they may react by scratching or biting. So if brushing your cat's teeth is too difficult for you and your kitty, consider adding plaque remover additives into their drinking water, getting them specially designed chew toys, or providing your cat with tasty dental treats.

What happens during a professional teeth cleaning visit for cats?

A professional tooth cleaning at the vet involves several steps to ensure thorough cleaning and assessment:

• The vet performs a thorough physical exam and blood tests to ensure your cat is healthy enough for anesthesia.
• Your cat will be put under anesthesia to prevent discomfort and allow the vet to clean the teeth thoroughly.
• The vet uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gum line. After scaling, the teeth are polished to smooth out any rough surfaces that might attract bacteria.
• The vet examines the mouth for any signs of dental disease or abnormalities. Dental X-rays may be taken to assess the health of the tooth roots and jawbone.
• The vet may perform extractions to prevent further health issues if there are severely damaged or infected teeth.
• Your cat will be monitored as they wake up from anesthesia, and the vet will provide instructions for home care.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Is your cat due for a dental health checkup or experiencing mouth pain? Contact our Lisle vets today for an appointment.