Complete Cat Dental Care Guide — Periodontal Disease Prevention and Building a Brushing Routine
Practical cat dental care guide: starting a brushing routine, periodontal disease and stomatitis prevention, choosing dental care tools, and professional cleanings.
Key Takeaways
Practical cat dental care guide: starting a brushing routine, periodontal disease and stomatitis prevention, choosing dental care tools, and professional cleanings.
Silent Oral Health Issues in Cats
Many cat owners might find themselves thinking, "My cat won't let me touch their mouth" or "I've never brushed their teeth." In fact, feline oral care is extremely important, with studies showing that approximately 70-80% of cats aged 3 and over have some form of periodontal disease.
As periodontal disease progresses, it can cause not only bad breath and tooth pain, but bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver.
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Common Feline Oral Diseases
Periodontal Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)
Bacteria accumulate at the boundary between teeth and gums (periodontal pockets), causing inflammation. It typically begins with "gingivitis," where the gums become red and swollen, and can progress to "periodontitis," where the bone supporting the teeth deteriorates.
Signs: Bad breath · Difficulty eating · Excessive drooling · Pawing at the cheeks
Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs)
This is a disease unique to cats where the tooth enamel gradually dissolves. It causes severe pain, with signs including reluctance to eat and difficulty chewing dry food. The cause remains unclear in many cases, and extraction is currently the only definitive treatment.
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How to Develop Tooth Brushing Habits
Step 1: Get Your Cat Accustomed to Touch Around the Mouth
Start by bringing your finger close to your cat's mouth area. Gently stroke around the mouth while associating it with positive things (treats, praise), and gradually acclimate them over days.
Step 2: Get Your Cat Accustomed to Touching Inside the Mouth
Apply cat-specific toothpaste or a flavor your cat likes (chicken flavored, for example) to your finger and introduce it into the mouth. If your cat resists, stop immediately and try again the next day.