Tooth and gum problems occur in eight out of every ten cats over the age of three, so there's good reason to establish a routine of brushing your cat's teeth early on. Cats tend to accumulate plaque (food debris and bacteria) on the outside of their teeth, but not on the inside. This hardens to form tartar, irritating the gums and causing gingivitis and loss of teeth. The bacteria can even enter the bloodstream and damage the kidneys and other organs.
Danger signals
Clinical signs of advanced gum disease include bad breath, reddened gums, yellowish-brown tartar on teeth, and drooling. When gingivitis is severe, cats may even drop food from their mouths and lose weight because they are unable to eat. Should this happen your vet may recommend specialist dental care to remove any loose teeth and de-scale using ultra-sonic vibration, which gently removes plaque and tartar without damaging the surface of the teeth.
Brushing
Teach your cat to accept a daily brushing (or wiping) of its teeth. Your vet can provide you with a soft brush (a baby toothbrush is ideal) or a rubber fingertip applicator, (alternatively use a gauze pad wrapped around a finger), plus special pet toothpaste in flavours that you cat will find tasty, like malt or chicken. Never use toothpaste made for humans!
- Wash your hands and pull back the gums.
- Apply the bristles to the teeth at a 45 degree angle, reaching both the tooth surface and just beneath the gum margin.
- Use small circular motions on the outside surfaces.
- Start slowly and end on a positive note - be persistent but gentle.
If your cat is still very young, do not attempt to brush milk teeth. Nonetheless, help get your kitten used to having it's teeth touched from a very early age, as precursor to daily dental care.
Dental care products
If your cat resists you handling their mouth, oral hygiene gels are available. They contain enzymes that inhibit the bacteria responsible for plaque formation. You can give them to your cat directly or mix them with food. Dental chews are also available, as well as special dry food diets that contain fibre and exert a brushing action as your cat chews.