How To Brush Cats Teeth [Your Cat Will Love]

Along with our affinity for sharing the best spot on the couch and indulging in the occasional salmon croquette, we have a lot in common with our feline friends. Brushing cat teeth is likely the most effective way to reduce dental plaque and maintain long-term oral health you must know How To Brush Cats Teeth [Your Cat Will Love]. Like humans, brushing will not only prevent plaque and tartar formation.

It will also promote healthy gums and reduce halitosis (bad breath) in your cat’s mouth.

More than half of all cats over the age of three have periodontal disease (infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth). Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis, resulting from plaque coming into contact with the gingiva (gums). If not removed through regular brushing, the plaque thickens and mineralizes, resulting in tartar. Daily or even twice daily brushing is recommended wherever possible. This6 can be introduced to a cat at any age.

Keeping your mouth clean and healthy might help you avoid periodontal disease and other health issues (beyond lousy breath). Brushing your cat’s teeth is only one step in preventing these health issues from occurring in the first place.

Fortunately, you can do a few simple steps to make the surgery less unpleasant for you and your cat. Here’s How To Brush Cats Teeth [Your Cat Will Love].

Signs of Oral Problems in Cats

In cats, dental disease is a widespread concern. They consume items that cause tartar to form over time, putting their teeth in danger.

Dental disorders are generally far advanced when a cat exhibits clear indicators of oral pain, such as drooling or teeth chattering. It’s crucial to recognize the subtle indicators of dental disorders in cats and get treatment as soon as possible to ensure your cat’s quality of life and longevity.

Let’s get to know some signs your cat may be showing off its oral problem;

Bad Breath

Bad breath is most likely caused by odor-producing bacteria that develop on your cat’s teeth and gums. If you don’t brush your pet’s teeth regularly, tartar and plaque can build up, resulting in an overabundance of microorganisms. In contrast to normal “kitty breath,” a solid or disagreeable mouth odor suggests something is wrong with your cat’s mouth. Periodontal disease, tooth resorption, infection, cancer, or any number of oral, tooth, or gum issues, all likely to cause pain, can all cause foul breath in your cat. As soon as the cat salivates, plaque-containing bacteria adhere to the recently cleaned and polished teeth.

Chattering

Your cat makes chittering or twittering noises while it sits at the window watching birds or squirrels. It usually indicates that they are ecstatic or thinking about snack time. He frequently chatters when a cat eats, grooms, or wipes his face. Chattering in your cat’s mouth is never normal and consistently indicates something is bothering him. It’s caused by shooting pain from the tooth root, which can be loud enough to be heard with your ears.

Shaking Head

A cat suffering from dental illness may shake its head excessively or tilt its head to the side of the mouth. Cat’s head is shaking, and head tilts are frequently connected with ear problems. If you have head shaking and drooling or any symptom on this list, dental issues are the most likely cause.

It’s normal for your cat to shake their head now and then. Still, if your cat starts shaking their head more than usual, it’s likely to suggest a problem, such as an ear infection.

Difficulty eating

This should go up on this list. Your cat may not eat. 

Again you may see your cat moaning but waiting as well.  Because it’s hungry. This will affect your pet’s health.

Common Dental Problems of Cats?

Periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and stomatitis are cats’ most frequent dental problems. Let’s have a look at them.

Plaque

Plaque is a thin layer of germs and food debris that forms on the surface of a cat’s teeth over time. A cat’s teeth and gums will stay healthy if plaque is eliminated routinely. Brushing’s mechanical forces quickly remove plaque. Plaque begins to solidify within 24 hours by interacting with salts found in the saliva. Tartar occurs as plaque continues to build and mineralize.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammatory illness that affects the gums around the teeth (red, swollen, and painful). This irritation is generally the consequence of a process that starts with plaque accumulation on the teeth, which is a bacteria-carrying film. When tartar digs into the gum line and causes gingivitis, plaque bacteria are regularly introduced below the gum line, causing variable degrees of gum infection.

Tartar

Tartar, commonly known as calculus, is a gritty, porous substance that can form above and below the gum line. Tartar may affect your teeth and gums in two ways. Tartar, for starters, provides a rough surface in the mouth that allows germs to flourish and multiply. If plaque persists on the tooth’s surfaces, minerals in a cat’s saliva solidify it into dental calculus, also known as tartar, securely bonded to the teeth.

Tooth root abscess

A tooth root abscess is a severe infection that develops around a tooth’s root due to germs entering via a fractured or traumatized tooth. The germs can gradually damage the tooth’s root and its connection to the jaw, depriving the root and tooth of crucial blood flow. This causes the damaged tissue to die, and the immune system responds by summoning many white blood cells to the region, resulting in an accumulation of white blood cells known as pus or an abscess. The huge premolar teeth are usually affected by tooth root abscesses, and a cat will typically appear with a painful soft swelling just beneath the eye.

Brushing your cat’s teeth is very important to eliminate all these problems.

How To Brush Cats Teeth

Now, let’s explore how to brush a cat’s teeth. Follow the easy steps outlined here.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To brush your cat’s teeth, you will need specialized cat supplies.

Brush

Cat toothbrushes can be fingertip toothbrushes or child-sized toothbrushes mainly made for a cat’s mouth. It is acceptable to use a soft toothbrush made for human babies on cats. The toothbrush should be as gentle as possible. You can also use cotton swabs, a finger toothbrush, or gauze wrapped around a finger.

Toothpaste

If your cat refuses to brush, wipe the plaque off its teeth and gums with a clean washcloth or squares of gauze. After that, get some pet toothpaste (do not use human toothpaste). Cats love the flavor of pet toothpaste since it is made to be safe to consume. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to cats. Therefore you can’t use it on them. A pet dental kit can be purchased at a pet store or through your veterinarian, including the proper toothpaste and toothbrush.

Step 2: Visit the vet for more accuracy

Brushing can remove plaque, but removing tartar needs specialized instruments. It can only be done at a veterinarian’s clinic. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you whether your cat has plaque or tartar accumulation.

Your veterinarian may also check your cat’s general dental health and inform you if brushing the animal’s teeth is safe.

Your veterinarian should also be able to prescribe safe and effective dental care items for your cat.

Step 3: Get Your Cat Used To The Toothpaste

Get the toothbrush out. It should be placed on your cat’s face, under her lips, and gently worked. Choose a toothbrush that is simple to use. Allow your cat to lick the toothpaste off the toothbrush.

This can assist your cat in remaining comfortable and knowing what to anticipate, reducing the likelihood of your cat becoming afraid and struggling.

Place the toothpaste on the toothbrush the next day and let your cat lick it off. Do the same the next day, then rub your finger down your cat’s upper teeth’s gums. Cats, like people, have preferences when it comes to food. To make your brushing session go as smoothly as possible, it’s a good idea to buy a few different types of toothpaste to determine which one your cat prefers.

Step 4: Allowing The Cat To Interact With The Toothbrushing

People believe that cats enjoy being softly stroked with moist bristles because it reminds them of being combed by their mother’s tongue, which quickly calms and relaxes them.

Allowing the cat to engage with the toothbrush before brushing his teeth will make it feel more at ease. Most cats will brush their cheek, teeth and gums on the surface of an object to leave their smell on it, thereby claiming it as their own.

Because most plaque builds up on the outer (tongue-side) of her teeth, you can avoid scrubbing her teeth’ interior (tongue-side). Dip your finger in chicken broth, wet cat food, or any attractive taste to entice your cat to open its mouth and allow you to touch its teeth.

Before using the toothbrush in your cat’s mouth, let it brand it as it and get it used to having it near its mouth and allowing him access to the brush for twenty minutes at least once a day for two to three days before usage should help it grow more familiar with the cleaning device.

Step 5: Give your Cat a treat.

Calm the cat while you softly unroll the towel. The cat will most likely run as quickly as possible, but offer it some affection and possibly a tasty treat if it doesn’t. It is ethical and necessary for them to eat after brushing, and they will cooperate much more if they anticipate a reward.

There won’t be as much of a hassle when you have to brush your cat’s teeth in the future.

FAQ

How often do you need to brush your cat’s teeth?

Brush your cat’s teeth at least once a day and take him to your veterinarian for a professional dental cleaning once a year. If your cat’s gums and teeth are in terrible health or are very sensitive/painful (if they haven’t been cleaned thoroughly in a while), schedule a professional cleaning at your veterinarian’s office.

Is it too late to brush my cat’s teeth?

It’s best to start home care for your pet while they’re young, but it’s never too late. There are a variety of strategies for preventing dental disease and assisting with oral hygiene at home, including Brushing regularly. Chews and treats

What happens if you don’t brush your cat’s teeth?

If not eliminated with frequent brushing, the plaque thickens, and minerals culminate in tartar. Gingivitis can proceed to severe periodontal disease, which can be painful and lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

Does an older cat need more tooth brushing?

An older cat is more likely to have dental problems, leading to other health problems. It’s essential to keep your cat’s mouth healthy. Most cats will let you brush their teeth, but starting small and working your way up over a few weeks or months may be necessary.

Closing Words

Brushing your cats is easy if you follow the steps outlined above. Never overlook the procedure. Above all, the health of your cat is critical.

While cleaning your cat’s teeth is the greatest thing you can do for their dental health, dental items such as diets, chews, treats, and water additives may also help.

If your cat underwent a dental cleaning, it’s critical to watch for any new plaque allergy symptoms. To keep this allergy under control, it will be necessary to undergo follow-up cleanings.