Dental Care and Cats
Do you know that your cat needs dental care? Just like humans, cats are prone to dental problems and disease. Therefore, prevention (i.e., brushing) and early detection is the best way to avoid dental problems in cats.
Starting while the cat is a kitten you should brush its teeth. Kittens begin to get their baby or temporary teeth at about 2-3 weeks of age. Their permanent teeth usually begin to come in at about 3 to 4 months of age, and all of their adult teeth should be in by about 8 months of age.
Most veterinarians council their clients to brush their pet's teeth on a regular basis. Just like us, brushing their teeth assist in breaking down the plaque and tarter buildup on their teeth. Bacteria can develop in the plaque and begin to cause damage, especially in the crevices between the teeth and gums. This can lead to an infection in the gum which may lead to abscessed teeth and gums, or even periodontal disease.
Begin a brushing routine early on. To get your kitten used to brushing. First, start with a soft gauze square or small cloth, wrap it around your finger, and wipe it around their gums and teeth, front and back. Do this once or twice a day for a few weeks to get them used to it. Then you can buy a cat toothbrush at the pet stores as well as cat toothpaste. Make sure you get a toothbrush that is appropriate in size for your kitten. Do not use the toothpaste right off the bat, let your kitten get used to just the brush for a few weeks, then put a little toothpaste on it. ALWAYS praise your kitten while you are brushing its teeth so it thinks teeth brushing is something fun to do with mom or dad.
Never use human toothpaste as it may foam, cause stomach upset or make them vomit.
What to look for: If you notice that your kitten's gums are red, swollen and/or tender to the touch, it may well be that your kitten has periodontal disease.
Other signs of periodontal disease are:
- a persistent foul odor
- formation of pus between teeth and gums, and loose teeth
- gums may recede or may bleed when your kitten eats
Any of these signs you should immediately contact your veterinarian for a dental exam or a veterinarian who specializes in animal dentistry.
Ideally, your kitten should receive a dental examination at 2-3 months of age and then again at 6-8 months of age. Thereafter, your kitten should be seen once each year.
If a problem occurs, prompt veterinarian treatment is a must.
