Essential Cat Dental Care: Tips for a Healthy Smile

Cats have teeth that are shaped like corn, and they primarily suffer from gum diseases and broken teeth, with very few cases of tooth decay. By the age of three, 85% of cats have periodontal disease. Periodontal diseases such as tartar and calculus are chronic oral conditions that cause inflammation in the mouth and are a major cause of early tooth loss. Cats with these conditions may find it difficult to chew on hard dry food, leading to discomfort in their teeth, a decrease in appetite, and eventually, a weakening of their body. Over time, dental plaque and tartar can accumulate in older cats, leading to periodontal disease, weakened immunity, and bacteria that can spread through the bloodstream to the cat's heart, kidneys, and liver, causing organ diseases. Therefore, proper dental care for cats is crucial, and starting brushing or regular dental cleanings early can prevent many diseases.

Cats do not need to be brushed every day; it is recommended to brush their teeth 12 times a week. Kitten milk teeth typically emerge between 3 to 5 weeks of age, and the teething process is usually complete around 5 months. It is advisable to start the brushing process for kittens when their milk teeth are forming, as it is easier for them to adapt at a younger age, making the transition to regular brushing less daunting after the teeth have changed.

Many cats dislike brushing and may close their mouths tightly, even resisting and scratching their owners. Therefore, before brushing a cat's teeth, the following steps should be taken:

Relax the cat by petting their chin, neck, and other areas while speaking softly to them. Wait until the cat is completely relaxed before beginning the brushing process.

Get the cat accustomed to the opening of their mouth. During daily holding, practice this action so the cat becomes comfortable with it, making the actual brushing less of a shock.

If the cat resists strongly, do not force the action. This will only make the cat dislike brushing even more in the future. Be patient, as most cats may not complete the brushing process in one go; it can be done in several sessions.

After brushing, be sure to reward the cat with treats or play with them to let them know that good things happen after brushing.

There are three methods for brushing a cat's teeth:

Applying Cleaning Gel:

If a cat has never been brushed before, you can apply toothpaste or oral cleaning gel directly to the teeth. Even if the cat licks its mouth, this method can still be effective. This is the simplest method and does not require any additional tools, making it suitable for cats with a stable personality.

Using a Finger Brush or Gauze:

Place the cat on a table with their head facing forward and their body close to their back to secure them, or hold the cat in your lap while soothing them to relax.

Use your right index finger to wear a finger brush or wrap gauze. Try to keep the cat from seeing the brush to avoid escape attempts. If the cat tries to push your hand away with its front paws, you can cover them with a piece of clothing or a towel.

Use your left thumb and index finger to gently hold the cat's head steady to prevent it from turning around.

Start by applying some meat juice from a canned food or a cat's favorite deworming cream to the finger brush or gauze to get the cat used to the brushing action, and then apply toothpaste.

Pay special attention to the back molars, where tartar and calculus tend to accumulate. Gently lift the cat's lips with your fingers to expose the teeth and brush the tartar away.

Using a CatSpecific Toothbrush:

You can choose a catspecific toothbrush or a childsized toothbrush with a small head and a long handle that can reach the back molars.

Place the cat on a table with their head facing forward and their body close to their back to secure them, or hold the cat in your lap while soothing them to relax.

Hold the toothbrush like a pencil.

Apply toothpaste to the toothbrush. A dry brush head can cause pain or injury to the gums, so it's best to start with a small amount of toothpaste or use a meat juice or deworming cream to get the cat used to the brushing action.

Support the cat's head with your left hand and use your thumb to lift the cat's corner of the mouth to expose the large molars. The cat's mouth does not need to be opened; simply move the brush between the teeth and gums to remove tartar.

When brushing the large molars, gently lift the lips near the nose to expose the teeth.