Just like your own teeth, it is very important to keep your cat’s teeth and gums clean and healthy. Caring for your cat’s dental needs requires constant prevention of plaque and tartar build up. If this prevention is not attended to, plaque caused by the food residue will eventually harden and cause diseases like gingivitis and sometimes cavities. Cavities are much rarer in cats than they are for humans, but tartar will weaken a tooth’s structure, making it much more susceptible to further decay.
Inflamed gums and cavities are very painful and will often cause a cat to eat less. If these problems are not cared for, a cat may lose significant amounts of weight and their immune system will weaken.
Caring for Your Cat’s Teeth
In order to properly care for your cat’s teeth you must first be able to recognize plaque and tartar. Plaque is a soft white or yellow substance that you can remove with a toothbrush and some toothpaste made specifically for cats. Tartar is a darker yellow to brown color and cannot be removed by brushing. If your cat has tartar that you would like to get rid of, visit your veterinarian.
Most people have never brushed their cat’s teeth. While it may be viewed by some as being unnecessary, it is the best way of preventing plaque build-up and protecting your cat’s teeth. Cat toothbrushes and toothpaste are available at your local pet shop and are the best option, but you can also use a facecloth or rag. Simply wet the cloth and wind it around your finger. Applying some (but not too much) pressure, wipe the outside surfaces of your cat’s teeth. Try to get as close to the gums as possible as that is where the tartar tends collect the most. Doing this several times a week will protect your cat from almost all tooth problems and gum diseases.
One simple way to fight cat plaque is to feed your feline dry food. Dry food is hard and crunchy which helps scrape away most of the plaque. Many cat toys are available that are specifically made to care for your cat’s teeth.
Another preventative measure that is somewhat more time consuming is to massage your cat’s gums with a Q-Tip. This will strengthen your cat’s gums and lower the chances of gum disease. If you notice any bleeding or infected looking areas, your cat may have gingivitis. Schedule a visit to your vet for diagnosis and treatment.
It is common for a cat to have a cracked tooth, especially if they spend most of their time outside. Cracked teeth are a problem when and if the nerves and blood in the middle of tooth are visible. This is an extremely painful for the cat and the tooth may eventually fall out. A broken tooth is at risk of becoming infected which can cause inflammation and pustules in and around the mouth of your cat. A cracked tooth that has the middle visible or is causing pustules and infection must be removed by your vet.
Bleeding or infected gums, broken teeth, loose teeth that are supposed to be permanent and significant tarter problems are all reasons to visit your veterinarian.
Note: Older cats may lose some of their front teeth. This is common and little cause for concern.