Caring for Your Cat Teeth

 

Here are some free samples,” she said, tossing the sack into the back of my car. “There’s some good stuff in there.”
When I got home I found, among the little pouches of kibble and pink fur mice, a tiny red toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste, fish flavored. Soon afterward came my first lesson in feline dental hygiene, and as it turns out, cats don’t find fish toothpaste as enticing as you’d expect.
Regular Brushing
Although they don’t seem to appreciate it, brushing your cat’s teeth on a regular basis (veterinarians recommend two times a week) is one of the most important things you can do for their health. Brushing removes the plaque on your cat’s teeth that can become tartar—the dark, calcified substance accumulating along the gumline that causes both tooth decay and gum disease.
Besides being painful, decaying teeth and infected gums can cause a number of health problems in cats including kidney, liver and heart disease. Elevated levels of bacteria in a cat’s bloodstream can tax its immune system, making it more susceptible to illnesses and cancer.
Learning to brush your cat’s teeth effectively takes both patience and the right equipment. Be sure to use toothpaste meant for cats. Ingredients in human toothpaste can be toxic to their systems. Use a cat’s toothbrush as well. They are much smaller and softer than those meant for people.
The best way to brush a cat’s teeth is to place her on a table facing away from you. Lifting the cat’s jowls, gently rub the toothbrush along the gumline of her upper and lower teeth on both sides. You may need someone to help you the first few times you try this, but if you’re consistent your cat will get used to it, and soon it will become a routine event.



Food, Water and Treats

As a rule, dry cat food is better for your cat’s teeth than the canned variety, as it works to remove some of the build-up from their teeth as they chew. Several manufacturers also now make “dental diet” foods and treats which, if fed regularly, can help keep your cat’s teeth in good shape. Hill’s, Science Diet, and Friskies all currently make dental food products that are readily available at most grocery and pet stores.
Additives for your cat’s water are also available to help keep their teeth healthy. These help keep bacteria levels down in the cat’s mouth, as well as contain chemicals which fortify their teeth against decay, much the same way that fluoride in human drinking water does. Dental water additives for cats are available in most pet supply stores.