Why is Dental Care for Cats Important?

Dental care for cats is important because untreated dental disease can lead to tooth loss, painful infections, and bacteria spreading to the heart and kidneys, and studies show up to 90% of cats over the age of four already have some form of it.

As a new or experienced pet parent, you've probably received plenty of advice about your cat's diet, grooming, and vaccinations. But dental hygiene is one area that often slips through the cracks. Cats clean themselves, so it's easy to assume their teeth take care of themselves too, right? Not quite. 

The truth is, your cat needs your help to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and neglecting their oral care can lead to serious health issues down the line.

Periodontal Disease and its Effects

Periodontal disease is the inflammation and swelling of the gums and the bone surrounding the teeth. It is the most common dental problem in cats. It causes tooth loss and bacterial infections that can spread to vital organs, which is far from ideal.

Unfortunately, periodontal disease often goes undiagnosed because most of the damage happens below the gumline, invisible to the naked eye. Your cat won't be able to tell you something is wrong, but there are symptoms you can watch for.

If you spot any of these signs, visit your vet as soon as possible:

• Broken teeth
• Loss of teeth
• Discolouration of teeth
• Incessant drooling
• Abnormal chewing
• Bleeding gums
• Lowered appetite
• Bad breath (halitosis) 

The simplest way to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, and avoid periodontal disease altogether, is regular brushing. Much like your own dental routine, your cat will benefit from consistent brushing and oral maintenance. 

This can be complemented by regular veterinary checkups. As experts in pet healthcare, vets can guide you through preventive care and recommend the most effective methods for keeping your cat's gums healthy. 

How to Spot Mouth & Gum Disease

While periodontal disease can be tricky to spot since it develops under the gums, there are a few telltale signs to watch for:

1. Bad breath that won't go away
2. Red or swollen gums 
3. Drooling more than usual
4. Visible tartar buildup along the gumline 

If your cat starts eating less, chews on one side, or drops food while eating, their mouth may be hurting. The earlier you catch these signs, the better the outcome.

How to Prevent and Treat Dental Issues at Home

Brushing is the most effective way to keep your cat's teeth clean, but there are other tools that can help too. You can also supplement brushing with:

• Dental chews and treats that help scrape off plaque
• A vet-recommended dental diet
• Water additives designed to reduce bacteria
• A dental finger brush for hard-to-reach spots 

If you've been cleaning your cat's teeth but still notice persistent issues like redness, swelling, or bad breath, it's time to consult your vet. They can help you choose a treatment plan that works for both of you.

When Professional Cleaning Is Needed

Home care goes a long way, but it has its limits. If your cat has heavy tartar buildup that brushing won't shift, red and inflamed gums that don't improve, or persistent bad breath despite regular cleaning, it's time to consider a professional dental cleaning. 

Your vet may also recommend one if they spot signs of gum disease during a routine checkup or if dental X-rays reveal issues below the gumline that aren't visible to the naked eye.

What Happens During a Professional Dental Cleaning

A professional cleaning is performed at a veterinary clinic under general anaesthetic. Your cat will first undergo a general health checkup, much like the pre-travel health assessment we help with for pet travel, along with blood tests and dental X-rays to evaluate their oral health. Once the assessment is complete, the cleaning begins.

The process involves scaling first, removing tartar and plaque from above and below the gumline. After scaling, the teeth are polished and treated with antibacterial or fluoride-enhanced solutions to prevent infection.

In some cases, a tooth cannot be saved and must be extracted. Depending on the outcome, your vet may prescribe antibiotics or pain relief.

Choose Your Vet Wisely 

Every pet parent wants the best for their cat, both in terms of care and lifestyle. But professional dental cleaning can be expensive, and you might be tempted to look for cheaper alternatives or non-professional cleaners. 

Please don't. Incorrect cleanings and dental procedures will leave you with purely cosmetic results at best, and serious complications at worst. Given the risks of periodontal disease and improper cleaning techniques, always choose a licensed veterinarian for this procedure. 

A good vet will also check your cat's overall health before any procedure, including verifying that their rabies titer test is up to date and that they're fit for anaesthesia. If your cat is nervous about vet visits, proper pet crate training can make the trip much less stressful for both of you.

If you're unsure where to start, our guide on how to choose the right veterinarian for your pet walks you through everything to look for.

Final Thoughts

While it may seem like a small thing at first, your cat's dental health is just as important as their vaccinations, diet, and grooming. Along with the usual essentials like rabies titer tests, pet crate training, and pet microchipping, dental care deserves a spot on your checklist, especially if you're planning pet travel and need a clean bill of health.

Choose a good vet, build a simple dental routine, and your cat will thank you with a healthier, happier life.