Dental Health: How to Take Care of Your Cat's Teeth

Dental health is very important for your cat's overall well being, yet it is often overlooked or neglected. Most cats have some evidence of gum disease. If your cat hasn't received proper dental care, this can lead to serious medical problems. As in humans, dental health is very important. If we neglect to care for our teeth, we are more susceptible to disease and illness. The same is true for our feline friends. Since cats can't brush their teeth, it is up to us to help them.

If your cat has gum or dental disease, bacteria from his teeth can move into their blood. If the bacteria goes to vital organs, it can cause infections and put your pet's life in danger. A cat with gum disease is often in pain. They will avoid food and not get proper nutrition. Imagine if you had a bad toothache and had no pain reliever. You would be miserable and avoid food too. The cat may lose his teeth and also develop infections.

How do I stop this from happening? It's all about prevention. You should take your cat to the veterinarian for a full dental checkup. The vet can schedule your cat for regular cleanings to stop the disease from getting any worse. After the cleaning, you will be instructed to clean your cat's teeth. There are special toothpastes for cats that you can use. Once your cat gets used to having his teeth brushed, it will be less of a chore. Some cats will fight this obviously, especially older animals. You can also use a special dental rinse or cleaning pad rather than the toothbrush. You can get both of these from your vet. Another great preventative is dental treats. Give them to your cat on a daily basis to help control dental bacteria.