Cat dental care products help fight bad breath.
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Cat dental care: Best products to take care of your cat's teeth
You've probably already noticed it yourself: your cat's breath doesn't smell like roses! Fortunately, lots of cat dental care products are available, including cat toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental treats.
Keeping your cat's teeth clean is critical to prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Bacteria can quickly grow on the teeth and gums of animals with poor oral hygiene. These bacteria are responsible for bad breath because they ferment in this warm, moist environment and cause infections.
Use a suitable toothbrush and tasty toothpaste to clean your cat's teeth. Your cat will not enjoy being handled, but the cheese or fishy flavour of the toothpaste will help them get through this unpleasant experience. There are also small cat finger toothbrushes that fit over your index finger to clean all of the cat's teeth. Although this is a more manageable solution than a traditional toothbrush, there is a slight risk of biting! Learn more about the best cat dental care products in our buyer's guide.
Summary
Why should I look after my cat's teeth?
Taking care of your cat's teeth is critical because it prevents dental problems from developing. Tartar build-up must be minimised as much as possible because it is a breeding ground for bacteria that threaten the teeth' enamel.
As a result, it is vital to begin caring for your kitten's dental health at a young age. When tartar accumulates on the enamel, it pushes the gums down. It causes the teeth to become loose, causing pain and discomfort eventually. Furthermore, your cat may develop periodontal disease.
When a cat has dental or gum disease, they usually have bad breath when they open their mouth, which is very unpleasant for the owner! Taking care of your cat's teeth is essential not only for the animal but also for you.
What are the dental risks for cats?
Cats, like humans, are susceptible to a variety of dental conditions if their oral hygiene is not properly monitored. Teeth problems can have a severe impact on their daily lives, preventing them from eating, causing excessive salivation, and leading to various infections.
One of the most common dental issues in cats is broken teeth. The animal may break a fang due to a fall or biting hard food. This must be treated as soon as possible because it can lead to infections in addition to pain.
Tartar affects the vast majority of cats, and regular vet visits are required to treat it. These yellowish stains are not only unsightly, but they also disrupt the animal's oral health.
Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is also common in cats. The gums swell and turn a bright red colour. They prevent the animal from eating properly because they are painful.
How do I detect a dental problem in my cat?
Cats tend to hide their pain, making detecting a health issue in these small felines difficult. However, if you notice your cat losing weight and appetite, you should be concerned. They could be suffering from dental issues that are preventing them from eating.
Teeth grinding, as well as frequent swallowing and bad breath, are symptoms of dental problems.
Also, if your pet stops grooming itself, there is most likely a problem. Cats despise dirt, and it is a daily ritual for them to thoroughly wash by licking themselves.
A change in behaviour and a less shiny coat, less alert eyes, and a runny nose should be considered warning signs.
To prevent your cat from suffering from dental problems, you should take them to the vet for regular checks. Prevention is better than cure!
What are the different dental treatments available for cats?
There are several options for treating a dental problem in a cat. It all depends on the condition of your pet's teeth! Dental X-rays are one of the most common procedures used to diagnose dental problems in cats. A preliminary biological check-up, or scaling, is also performed. Although completely painless, this procedure is performed under general anaesthesia to prevent the animal from struggling or injuring itself.
Dental surgery on a cat is also possible, for example, to relieve the pain of an infected tooth. Some veterinarians will even fit fillings.
Of course, seeing your veterinarian is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis. If necessary, they will refer you to another specialist.
Can cat dental care be harmful?
Dental care is not harmful to cats. It is rather you not caring for your pet's teeth that is dangerous to them!
Brushing teeth, for example, poses no danger to cats. The owner is the most likely to lose a piece of skin! Some kitties hate being held while brushing their teeth and express their displeasure with their claws. Do not be afraid to put on gloves at first!
