Dental care is a valuable part of your cat's oral care routine. If good oral hygiene is not kept up regularly, periodontal disease will likely recur and cause problems for your pet. Here at Woodward, we recommend regular checkups every six months alongside home dental care.
Here at Woodward Veterinary Practice, we advise that your cat’s dental hygiene is just as important as any other routine and preventative treatment. This is why we propose preventative dental care. Like humans, cats can develop a build-up of tartar, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing your cat’s teeth once or twice a day is the best option for effective oral hygiene. We encourage regular home dental care and appropriate tooth cleaning diets, including regular dental checks every six months. We also have products such as liquids that can be added to your cat's water to reduce plaque build-up and reduce bad breath (Halitosis) as well as veterinary dental diets. Here at Woodward Veterinary Practice, our team would be happy to assist you with answering any questions you may have, as well as advising you on the recommended products or dental diets for your cat.
Symptoms of Dental Disease In Cats
Cats can be very good at hiding signs of pain and often, owners aren’t aware that their cat has dental disease; this is why our vets and nurses perform a dental check at each general consultation. Some cats with severe dental disease, root exposure, severe gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), or tooth root infections will continue to eat, showing only subtle signs that something is wrong. Catching dental disease early can reduce the number of extractions required from not noticing earlier signs and symptoms of dental disease. Plaque can be removed by tooth brushing; however, tarter will not be removed by brushing alone; if this is already present, the best action for this is a scale and polish to remove this, followed by tooth brushing to prevent the buildup from occurring again. A general anaesthesia is required for all dental procedures; however, a scale and polish procedure is much shorter with a faster recovery compared to your cat having multiple extractions.
Signs of Dental Disease:
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Bad breath (halitosis)
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Visible tartar buildup on teeth
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Red or inflamed gums (Gingivitis)
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Discoloured teeth
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Drooling
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Loose teeth
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Bleeding from the mouth
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Reluctance to eat
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Chewing on one side of the mouth
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Dropping food from the mouth when eating
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Swelling around the mouth (from potential root abscesses)
What To Do If Your Cat Needs Dental Treatment
If your cat shows any signs they are suffering from dental disease we recommend a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment. A comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment is a detailed examination of your cat's mouth and oral health, to identify and determine any diseases prevalent, and to determine a treatment plan if necessary.
How can Cat Dental Disease Be Prevented?
The best way to maintain healthy teeth is to brush your cat’s teeth daily. The team at Woodward Veterinary Practice would be happy to help with advice on introducing this to your cat.
It can also be beneficial to have a scale and polish performed regularly to clean the teeth thoroughly. This is similar to the treatment we would receive from a dental hygienist. These are done under a short general anaesthetic as cats won’t sit in one position for a prolonged period and we must ensure their safety and the team’s safety when in the vicinity of sharp teeth!
Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs)
Cats also get another form of dental disease known as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs). It has an unknown cause, but 75% of cats are thought to be affected. It is particularly common in cats over five years but can occur at any age. In these lesions, part of the tooth is eaten away by the tooth itself, forming a small hole in the enamel close to the gum line. These lesions are very painful for cats and can lead to tooth fractures as they weaken the teeth. They require extraction to resolve.
Please bring your cat in a secure cat basket with a blanket that smells of home. Cats are territorial creatures who prefer to stay in areas familiar to them; click here to read how you can prepare for travelling to us with your cat. Here at Woodward Veterinary Practice, we hold the ISFM gold accreditation which means our practice has everything in place to help your cat have a positive experience with us.
Pet Health for Life Plan
Woodward's Pet Health for Life Plan members can claim a 15% discount off any dental treatment. Our health club offers preventative health, and you could be saving each year on what you spend on your pet treatment wise.
Find out more about our Woodward Pet Plans
Cat Dental Care FAQs
Can I use human toothpaste on my cat?
No, human toothpaste is not safe for cats. It contains ingredients like fluoride or xylitol, which can be toxic to pets. Always use toothpaste specifically formulated for cats, which is safe if swallowed and often comes in flavors cats like.
How do I get my cat used to tooth brushing?
Start slow and be patient. Begin by letting your cat sniff and lick the cat-safe toothpaste. Gradually get them comfortable with you touching their mouth, then slowly introduce the toothbrush. Use plenty of positive reinforcement like praise or treats, and keep sessions short in the beginning. Over time, your cat should become more comfortable with the routine.
How many teeth do cats have?
Adult cats have 30 teeth in total. These include:
- 12 incisors (6 on the top and 6 on the bottom)
- 4 canines (2 on the top and 2 on the bottom)
- 10 premolars (6 on the top and 4 on the bottom)
- 4 molars (2 on the top and 2 on the bottom)
How can I help keep my cat’s teeth clean at home?
To maintain your cat’s dental health between vet visits:
- Brush their teeth regularly with cat-safe toothpaste.
- Use dental treats or toys that help clean teeth.
- Provide a balanced diet, and consider dental diets or special foods designed to reduce plaque.
- Use water additives that promote dental health.
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their dental health.
How to treat gingivitis in cats?
Gingivitis is a common condition in cats that involves inflammation of the gums, usually caused by plaque buildup. If left untreated, it can progress to more serious dental diseases, such as periodontal disease.
- Anesthesia: Cats need to be placed under anaesthesia for thorough cleaning to ensure the procedure is safe, painless, and stress-free.
- Examination: Your vet will inspect the gums and teeth, take X-rays if needed, and check for any underlying dental issues like infections, abscesses, or tooth resorption
If gingivitis has progressed and caused significant damage to the teeth or gums, some of your cat’s teeth may need to be extracted. This is particularly common in cases of severe periodontal disease or resorptive lesions.
Your vet may prescribe antibiotics to treat any bacterial infection in the gums. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, may also be used to reduce swelling and pain.
Preventing dental disease is essential for preventing disease. Your pet doesn't have to suffer from dental pain and health complications. Prioritising their dental care routines will mean cheaper vet bills too!
