07/23/2025
🐱 Feline Dental Care: Why It Matters & How to Help
✅ Why Dental Health is Crucial
Dental disease is extremely common in cats—by age 3, over 70% show signs of periodontal disease, and up to 85–90% of adult cats are affected at some point.
Poor dental hygiene can lead to bacteria entering the bloodstream, potentially harming the heart, kidneys, and liver.
🩺 Recognizing Signs of Dental Issues
Look out for:
-Persistent bad breath
-Yellow or brown tartar buildup
-Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
-Pawing at the face, drooling, teeth-chattering
-Difficulty eating, dropping food, or weight loss.
🧼 Professional Vet Dental Care
-Vets perform comprehensive cleanings under general anesthesia, including scaling, polishing, and extractions if needed.
-Intraoral X-rays are crucial since many problems reside beneath the gum line—over half a cat’s tooth structure is hidden from view.
🏡 At-Home Dental Care Tips
-Brushing
-Use a cat-specific soft toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste).
-Aim for daily brushing—or at least 2–3 times a week.
-Start slow: begin with finger/gauze rubbing, introduce toothpaste on a finger, then progress to a brush with gentle circular movements at the gumline
💧Water Additives & Gels
-These products help control bacteria and freshen breath—especially useful on days you can’t brush.
🐾Dental Diets
-Some kibble formulas are designed to reduce plaque buildup via texture and ingredients. Consult your vet when choosing one.
📅 Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
-Schedule dental examinations annually—or biannually if your cat is prone to gum disease, resorptive lesions, or systemic health concerns
By combining professional care with consistent at-home routines, you’re helping your cat live a happier, healthier life—free from dental pain and disease.
