How to Remove and Prevent Plaque on Your Cat’s Teeth

Your cat’s dental hygiene is vital to its overall health. Just like in humans, neglecting your cat’s dental health can lead to serious conditions like gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth decay, as well as causing discomfort and bad breath. Keeping your cat’s teeth healthy isn’t difficult, but it does require some attention, patience, and dedication from you.

Understanding Plaque in Cats

Bacteria in your cat’s mouth combine with and feed off of particles of food and create plaque. If this is not removed, it will accumulate around your cat’s gums and cause inflammation or even infection.

Plaque is a common issue among cats. Without attention, it can harden into tartar, which is even more difficult to remove and can cause even more serious dental problems. Bacteria from your cat’s mouth can also affect their overall health by entering their bloodstream. This can have knock-on effects on their liver, kidneys, and heart. This means that addressing your cat’s dental hygiene is also beneficial to their overall wellbeing.

Unlike humans, cats cannot brush their teeth. This is why it is up to you to help them clean their teeth, just as you would have to do for a young child. Many owners take the view that “cats don’t clean their teeth in the wild, so why would I need to clean my cat’s teeth?” However, most stray cats can only live for about 5 years, while house cats can live upwards of 15 years. This means that their long-term dental health is even more important.

My oldest cat was 19 when she died and never had to have any teeth removed because I made sure to take good care of her teeth. Let me talk you through the steps I took to keep her teeth and gums healthy.

Removing Plaque from Your Cat’s Teeth

There are several things you can do to help your cat maintain healthy teeth and gums. The most effective are…

• Professional dental cleaning by a vet 
  You should take your cat in for a regular checkup at the vet’s at least once per year. As part of this, the vet will examine your cat’s teeth. If they notice plaque buildup, they will conduct a professional cleaning and polish the surface of the teeth to discourage bacteria from building up again. 
• Brushing 
  Brushing your cat’s teeth to remove plaque is very helpful, but some cats will be more receptive to this than others. One of my cats loves it and will happily sit on my lap and let me brush their teeth; they even seem to find it fun, sometimes biting the brush playfully and purring as I do it. Other cats will be very resistant. Introduce brushing gradually, and try not to make it a stressful experience for your cat. 
• Dental Treats 
  Some cat treats are designed to help fight plaque buildup. Be on the lookout for products approved by veterinary dental organizations and consider incorporating them into your cat’s diet. 

Step-by-step instructions for brushing your cat’s teeth at home

• Choose the right time
  Pick a time when your cat is already relaxed. This will make it much easier to clean their teeth. 
• Have your supplies on hand
  NEVER use human products on your cat, as they can be harmful. Buy a cat-specific toothpaste and toothbrush. 
• Introduce the toothbrush
  Before trying to brush, allow your cat to get used to the toothbrush. Let it sniff it; even chew on it if it wants to. You can also let them taste a small amount of toothpaste to get them used to the flavour. 
• Position
  Position yourself so you can easily access your cat’s mouth. This might mean holding them, letting them lie on their back, or sitting down low next to them so you are at the same level as them. Slowly and gently lift their lips to expose their teeth. 
• Slowly brush
  Brush their teeth slowly, using gentle circular motions along the gumline and on the surface of the teeth. 
• Be patient
  Your cat might not let you clean their entire mouth. That’s ok. Next time, you can try cleaning a different part. You do not need to clean your cat’s teeth every day, so cleaning some parts of their mouth one day and others on another day is fine. Any amount of brushing is better than none. 

Preventing Plaque Buildup 

• Establish a regular dental care routine 
  Make dental care part of your cat’s regular grooming routine. If you are already brushing your cat’s fur and they let you do it, you should try gradually introducing teeth brushing. 
• Balanced diet 
  Give your cat a nutritional diet. Avoid feeding them too many treats and try to give them freshly cooked meat as well as tinned or packaged food. 
• Supply dental toys 
  Toys that encourage chewing are a good way of promoting your cat’s oral health. These toys have ridges that can remove plaque as your cats chew on them. 
• Monitor your cat’s dental health 
  Check your cat’s mouth regularly for signs of gum disease. Their gums should be a pinkish red. If their gums appear inflamed, bleeding, or black, this is a sign of gum disease. If their gums appear very pale, this can be a sign of anaemia. 

how much does Plaque Removal cost for cats?

Dental hygiene treatments for cats can be very expensive. It varies from practice to practice, but my vet charges around £300 pounds for this if paid for outright; however, my cat’s insurance covers one dental cleaning session per 12 months. This is one of MANY reasons that having pet insurance is always worthwhile. 

Like all health issues, prevention is better than cure. By looking after your cat’s teeth, you not only keep them healthy but also reduce the chance of having to pay for a professional dental hygienist appointment. 

Final Thoughts: How to Remove and Prevent Plaque on Your Cat’s Teeth

Taking care of your cat’s dental health is an essential part of ensuring their overall well-being and happiness. By being proactive about maintaining your cat’s teeth and gums, you can prevent more serious health conditions down the line and improve their quality of life. Regular checkups, professional cleanings, and a good dental care routine at home, such as brushing and using dental treats or toys, can make a significant difference. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Start implementing these habits today, and your feline friend will thank you with a healthy smile and a purr!

FAQs

Why is dental hygiene important for my cat?
Dental hygiene is crucial for your cat’s overall health. Neglecting it can lead to serious issues like gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even systemic health problems. Regular dental care helps prevent discomfort and bad breath and reduces the risk of bacterial infections that could affect your cat’s liver, kidneys, and heart.

How can I tell if my cat has plaque buildup?
Plaque buildup is a common issue in cats. Signs of plaque include yellowish deposits on your cat’s teeth, inflamed or bleeding gums, and bad breath. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove and can lead to more severe dental problems.

What are the best ways to remove plaque from my cat’s teeth?
The most effective ways to remove plaque include professional dental cleanings by a vet, brushing your cat’s teeth regularly with a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, and offering dental treats or toys that help reduce plaque buildup. Gradually introduce brushing to make it a positive experience for your cat.

How often should I take my cat for a professional dental cleaning?
It is recommended to take your cat to the vet for a professional dental check-up and cleaning at least once a year. Regular vet visits allow early detection of any dental issues and ensure that your cat’s teeth and gums remain healthy.

What can I do at home to prevent plaque buildup on my cat’s teeth?
Establish a regular dental care routine that includes brushing your cat’s teeth with a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, providing dental treats and toys, and feeding a balanced diet. Monitoring your cat’s gums and teeth regularly for any signs of disease can also help maintain their oral health into the future.