Cleaning your teeth should be an important part of your hygiene routine. Brushing your cat's teeth with a special tool and dedicated toothpaste helps remove plaque and bacteria that develop in the mouth, which in turn negatively impact overall and oral health. This operation could be quite difficult on an adult specimen that is not used to it. However, after a few tries, both you and the cat should be familiar with the procedure. Try to brush his teeth every day (or at least weekly) to improve the health of his teeth and gums.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Preparation
Step 1. Go to the vet
This way you can confirm whether plaque and tartar have accumulated on the cat's teeth or not. Plaque can be brushed off, but special tools are needed to remove tartar and the procedure can only be done at the vet's office.
- In addition, the doctor will assess the general health of the animal and should be able to tell you if it is safe to brush its teeth.
- They should also recommend safe and effective oral care products for cats.
Step 2. Buy the material
Basic tools include a soft-bristled pet toothbrush and cat toothpaste. You cannot use that for humans to brush your cat's teeth, as fluoride is toxic to these animals. You will also need a cat-specific toothbrush.
Step 3. Any toothpaste with xylitol (a sweetener) can be deadly for the cat
- There are toothbrushes that can be put on a finger or models that are very similar to those for children, but which are designed specifically for the mouth of cats.
- You can also buy an oral care kit at the pet store, which contains the correct toothbrush and toothpaste.
Step 4. Get your cat used to the toothpaste
Let him slowly familiarize himself with the procedure, preferably over a few days. By doing so, he does not get stressed, he learns to understand what awaits him and consequently he will not be frightened; also, it is less likely to wriggle.
- To start, put some toothpaste on the tip of your finger and let the cat lick it. Repeat the procedure the next day, but this time rub your finger on the animal's gums and upper teeth. On the third day, put the toothpaste on the toothbrush and let the cat lick it.
- Cats, like people, have preferences in terms of taste. To make cleaning as smooth as possible, you should buy several toothpastes to figure out which one your specimen likes best.
Step 5. Get your pet used to the toothbrush
Let him play with it for a while before using it to brush his teeth, that way he'll feel more comfortable. Most cats rub their cheeks and gums on the surface of objects to "brand" them with their scent, thus claiming ownership.
- Let your cat do the same with the toothbrush and get used to having it near their mouth before using it for cleaning. By allowing him to play for two or three days with the toothbrush at least once a day twenty minutes at a time, you allow him to become familiar before brushing his teeth.
- If you have more than one, make sure everyone has their own personal toothbrush and don't use the same toothbrush to clean the teeth of multiple pets.
Step 6. Reward him every time he positively interacts with the equipment
As you get used to the toothbrush and toothpaste, remember to reward him with small treats or his favorite toy once you've shown the right attitude.
If he seems recalcitrant or frightened by the toothbrush or toothpaste, don't give him any reward, otherwise you reinforce the negative interaction
Part 2 of 4: Cleaning the Cat's Teeth
Step 1. Place the pet on a comfortable surface
This allows him to relax during the procedure. If you know your cat will most likely try to wriggle out, wrap it in a towel to prevent it from scratching you and trying to escape.
- It shouldn't take you more than 30 seconds to brush his teeth.
- A long-sleeved shirt and even gloves are worth wearing if your pet is uncooperative or trying to escape.
Step 2. Brush his teeth
You should have already given him two or three days to get used to the toothpaste. On the fourth day, apply the product to your toothbrush and try to brush some of his teeth.
Repeat this process every day until your cat allows you to gently move the brush along the gums and teeth. Move the bristles to the gum line of the upper molars, keeping them slightly inclined upwards so that they can also clean under the gum
Step 3. Make circular motions
When your cat is comfortable with the cleaning described in the previous step, try moving the toothbrush in small circles, from the back to the front, massaging the gums.
Step 4. Brush his teeth regularly
Remember to repeat this procedure daily - or at least a couple of times a week - to make sure your little feline's mouth is as healthy as possible. Although cleaning removes plaque on the visible surface of the teeth, it cannot remove plaque that forms below the gum line. However, you significantly reduce the amount of plaque and bacteria in your mouth with each session.
Step 5. Check for any anomalies
While brushing your cat's teeth, quickly inspect his mouth to see if there are any changes that require medical attention. For example, bleeding gums are a sign that your cat needs professional tartar ablation, so you need to get him to the clinic as soon as possible. The presence of pus, lumps, ulcers, redness or loose teeth should be checked by your veterinarian.
Part 3 of 4: Alternative Methods for Cleaning
Step 1. Observe the cat's preferences and adapt treatments accordingly
Some dogs simply don't allow you to brush their teeth daily or twice a week. If your pet falls into this category, try combining one of the solutions described below with regular visits to the vet's office for professional cleaning:
- You should know that treats, toys, additives or foods formulated for oral hygiene are not able to replace the action of the toothbrush.
- Also, if your cat is excessively or abnormally stressed when you take him to the vet, you need to consider this reaction in relation to the stress your cat causes you when you try to brush his teeth.
Step 2. Use "special" food
There are some cat foods and treats that are specially formulated to remove plaque from teeth. Typically, these are kibble with a rough surface; as the cat chews them, they eliminate the plaque.
Look for foods that say "for dental health" when shopping for foods to control plaque buildup. However, remember that they are ineffective if the tartar has already hardened; in this case, the cat needs a professional ablation before trying these foods. However, you should discuss this with your vet, as your cat may have conditions that are incompatible with the consumption of these foods (including pain in the mouth and kidney problems)
Step 3. Use mouthwashes or additives
There are several substances that you can add to the water that reduce the amount of bacteria in your cat's mouth. Chlorhexidine or oxyfresh are the most used additives for water (following the dosages shown on the packaging).
- Ask your vet if these products can be useful for your cat and if your feline friend has any medical conditions. Some are sold in spray formulations and can be applied directly to the teeth.
- Remember that they cannot eliminate tartar, but they keep the bacterial population of the oral cavity under control.
Step 4. Try some toys
You can buy chewable toys that clean teeth, remove tartar that has not yet hardened, massage the gums and at the same time entertain the cat. These animals have a natural instinct to chew, so you should provide them with something to satisfy that need while improving dental hygiene.
Step 5. Give it a professional cleaning
Despite regular home cleaning, some specimens need occasional grooming (just as some people have to go to the dentist more often than others). If tartar begins to build up along the gum line, it is time for a professional ablation.
Tartar looks like a brownish substance that builds up along the edge of the gums. If you neglect it, it becomes a thicker and darker layer, in some cases it even becomes gray
Part 4 of 4: Understanding Why You Should Brush Your Cat's Teeth
Step 1. Learn to recognize plaque and tartar
Bacteria present in the animal's mouth form plaque that adheres to tooth surfaces. If this bacterial plaque is not removed with the toothbrush, it begins to mineralize and turn into tartar, a substance that is cemented on the teeth and that can only be removed with the scaler at the vet's office.
There are many feline diseases that can arise from poor oral hygiene, so check carefully the formation of plaque and tartar
Step 2. Recognize gingivitis
It is an inflammation of the gums that have a dark red line along the margin. Just like in humans, this disease is a sign of poor dental health and needs to be treated by a veterinarian before it becomes a more serious problem.
Step 3. Learn about the signs of periodontitis
This disease develops when gingivitis is neglected; it affects the deep layer below the gum line and infects the dental alveolus; as a result, painful abscesses are generated and the teeth become loose.
Step 4. Pay attention to oral ulcers
When gingivitis is left untreated, painful sores can develop in the mouth; they appear as bright red, often bleeding lesions on the mucous membranes of the cat's mouth.
Step 5. Identify Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma
It is a pathology that apparently is very similar to ulcers and edema, but these are localized on the upper lip of the cat.
Step 6. Pay attention to the signs of stomatitis
It is an extremely painful inflammation of the mouth; the animal has a lot of difficulty in eating and may even refuse food. The inside of the mouth is red and inflamed.
The cat can also suffer from several pathologies triggered by poor oral hygiene
Step 7. Be aware of other diseases
There is growing evidence that various organs can be affected by bacteria and toxins moving from the mouth through the bloodstream. Chronic inflammation of the mouth can contribute to various problems, such as a rise in liver enzymes, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.
Advice
- Dental health is just as important to cats as it is to humans. Regular dental cleaning ensures your pet will enjoy the "silver years" with intact teeth.
- Try to include teeth cleaning as part of the time you spend with your feline friend.
