Caring for a cat's teeth

Most adult cats develop some form of dental disease. Daily tooth brushing is the best care you can give at home, and regular vet checks catch problems you cannot see. Cats hide pain well, so a cat with a sore mouth often still eats and acts normally. Look at your cat's mouth often and ask your vet about teeth at every check-up.

Why teeth need care

A film of bacteria called plaque forms on teeth within hours of eating. If it stays, it hardens into tartar. Bacteria then irritate the gums, which become red and swollen. Over time the gums pull away from the teeth, and the structures that hold teeth in place can break down. This is periodontal disease. It can cause pain, loose teeth, tooth loss and infection. In some cases bacteria spread from the mouth through the blood to other organs.

Cats also suffer other dental conditions. Painful lesions can erode a tooth from the root, called tooth resorption. Severe inflammation across the gums and mouth, called stomatitis, can make eating very painful. Neither can be seen easily at home, and neither can be treated at home. Your vet may suggest an exam under anesthesia and dental X-rays to find them.

Cats have 30 adult teeth. The large cheek teeth, such as the carnassial teeth, shear meat. Most tartar collects on the outer surfaces of the cheek teeth, along the gumline.

What you can do at home

Brush the teeth

Daily brushing is the best home care. Even brushing a few times a week is better than none. Use a pet toothpaste made for cats and a soft brush or finger brush. Do not use human toothpaste, which can upset a cat's stomach.

Go slowly. Most cats take weeks to accept it.

1. Start with taste. Let the cat lick a little pet toothpaste from your finger. Do this for several days.
2. Touch the lips. Gently lift the lip on one side and rub the toothpaste along the outside of the teeth. Stop after a few seconds and reward the cat.
3. Add the brush. Put a small amount of paste on a soft brush and touch the cat's teeth. Do a few teeth only.
4. Brush the outer surfaces. Use small circles along the gumline, from the back teeth to the front, on the outside only. Do not open the cat's mouth wide.
5. Build up. Over a few weeks, brush more of the mouth, for a little longer.
6. End on a good note. Give a favorite treat or a game.

If your cat will not accept a brush, a finger wrapped in gauze or a pad made for pets is a second choice. Ask your vet about other products with proven results. Some dental diets, treats and water additives carry a seal from a veterinary oral health council. These can add to brushing, not replace it. Ask your vet before choosing.

Look at the mouth

Once a week, lift your cat's lip and look at the teeth and gums. Healthy gums are pink and the line next to the teeth is thin. Teeth should look white to pale yellow. Make this a quick, gentle routine.

Feed and chew

A regular, complete diet is important. Some dry diets have dental benefits, and some do not. Chewing toys help some cats, but a cat that gnaws on a hard object can crack a tooth. Ask your vet before giving a hard chew.

Signs of dental trouble

• Bad breath that is stronger than usual.
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums.
• Brown or yellow tartar on teeth.
• Drooling, sometimes with blood.
• Dropping food, chewing on one side, or eating slowly.
• Pawing at the mouth or face.
• Eating only wet food after previously eating dry.
• Weight loss.
• A sudden dislike of being touched around the head.
• Hiding more, or a poor coat because the cat grooms less.
• A tooth that is loose, broken or missing.

Some cats show none of these. Regular exams matter even if everything looks fine.

Professional care

A vet can do a full dental exam at a wellness visit. If the vet finds problems, a cleaning under general anesthesia may be advised. Anesthesia is needed because a cat will not hold still for a thorough scale and polish and because X-rays require positioning. Vets use anesthesia with pre-checks, monitoring and fluids to lower the risk. Ask what tests your vet advises first, such as blood work, particularly for an older cat. See wellness exam for what a routine visit includes.

Be wary of "anesthesia-free" dental scaling. It cleans only visible surfaces and cannot look under the gum. It can give a false sense that all is well. Ask your vet's view.

How often a cat needs a professional exam varies. Many vets suggest a check at least once a year and more often for older cats or cats with a history of dental disease. Ask your vet to set a plan.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until the breath smells bad.
• Using human toothpaste.
• Brushing hard or opening the mouth wide.
• Giving up after one hard session.
• Relying on dry food or treats alone.
• Pulling a loose tooth at home.
• Skipping dental X-rays when a vet suggests them.
• Assuming a cat who eats well has a healthy mouth.

When to call a vet or get help

Book a vet visit soon if you see any of the signs above. See a vet the same day if:

• Your cat stops eating or drinking, or eats much less.
• Your cat has a swollen face or a swelling under the eye.
• Your cat is drooling heavily, bleeding from the mouth or crying out when it tries to eat.
• Your cat cannot close its mouth.
• Your cat has a sore mouth and also seems weak, vomits or is breathing with effort.

Do not give human pain medicine. Many are poisonous to cats. Ask your vet what is safe.

Summary

• Dental disease is common, and cats often hide the pain.
• Brush daily if your cat allows it, using cat toothpaste and a soft brush.
• Look at the mouth weekly and watch for bad breath, red gums and changes in eating.
• Have your vet check the teeth at least yearly, and follow advice on cleanings.
• A cat that stops eating needs a vet at once.