Dental Care for Cats

Most pet owners do not think about their feline's dental health. It is just not something that is generally considered, but it should be. Just like people, cats need to have their teeth and gums cared for. If they are not, then it could lead to a long list of health problems and diseases for your furry friend. There are many things that you can do to make sure that dental care for cats is done appropriately and that their mouths stay healthy for years to come.

How to Care for Your Cat's Oral Needs
Dry cat food is a wonderful way to help remove the build-up of plaque and tartar from a cat's teeth. There are even specific forms of "dental" cat food which can be even more effective in keeping the teeth clean. Felines also enjoy chewing almost as much as dogs, although most people are not aware of this. There are many products available that can be purchased in order to give your kitty something to gnaw on and clean build-up from their teeth.

Cat's teeth should be brushed at least once per day. There are specially designed toothbrushes and toothpaste for felines, and if you start the routine at a young age they will voice no objections. You only need to brush the outside of each tooth, as your kitty can take care of the inside with their sand paper like tongue. If possible, try to brush the gums as well. Special gel rinses and products can be purchased to place on the teeth and gums of a cat as well, and they will help to keep the areas clean in between brushing routines. However, you should not rely solely on the rinses to keep your cat's mouth healthy.

Common Oral Diseases in Cats
There are many common oral diseases that can occur if your kitty's teeth are not properly cared for. These include:

Feline Odontoclastic Oral Resorption which is somewhat like a cavity and forms on the enamel of the tooth. The infection can spread to the gums and inflame them. The normal treatment for this disease is the removal of the tooth that is affected.
Periodontal Disease is where plaque and tartar have been allowed to build up and are pushed under the line of the gums. The area will become swollen and may bleed. To treat this, a vet will use a cleaning method as well as antibiotics, and in severe cases teeth may need to be removed.
Feline Stomatitis is perhaps the most extreme of dental problems, and is often displayed as an autoimmune disorder in which the cat's body is allergic to plaque that builds up. This can cause painful sores in the throat, and your kitty could quit eating. See a veterinarian right away if you believe that this is the problem.

Taking care of your cat's teeth and gums should be an essential part of your daily routine. If you fail to perform oral care maintenance on your kitty each day, you could be leaving them open to a wide range of diseases that could dramatically affect their good health. If your cat does develop an oral disease, it could lead to expensive veterinary treatment, so ensure you keep your pet insurance plan up to date to cover the cost of this, particularly as your cat gets older and becomes more prone to certain diseases.

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