Cats need their teeth taken care of at home, just like you do! Taking care of your cat’s teeth regularly will help them lead a healthier and pain-free life. Around 70 percent of cats older than 3 years old have dental disease symptoms.

Each year, you should have your vet take a look at your cat’s teeth and get them professionally cleaned. The cleaning will remove dental plaque and tartar from the teeth. If not removed, these deposits can lead to periodontal disease. Also, make sure to check in with your vet as to what oral hygiene practices you should be doing specifically for you cat, based on their needs, symptoms, and history. Every cat is different, and the veterinarian knows best!

There are a few signs that will tell you if your cat currently has a dental issue. If your cat’s gums are bleeding excessively during/after eating, if he has bad breath or is drooling a lot, this could be a sign that the cat needs its teeth cleaned, or even some serious dental work. Some cats even stop eating due to tooth pain, which is a sign that the problem is incredibly painful.

Besides getting a professional cleaning, there are a few different methods that can help prevent or minimize dental issues in your cat’s mouth.

• Dental prescription or non-prescription oral rinses, gels, and sprays exist that help reduce plaque buildup on teeth.
• Wipe your cat’s teeth with a gauze pad, dental wipe, or even finger. Place cat toothpaste (or even just water) on any of the items to wipe their teeth clean.
• Ask your vet about special toys that are great for your cat’s teeth. These toys are filled with special enzymes that help reduce plaque on a cat’s teeth.
• If your cat will let you, massage his gums; this will help strengthen them.
• Dental products are a good way to supplement your cat’s dental hygiene habits, and can help prevent dental issues. Ark Naturals sells a Breath-Less Plaque-Zapper that is an odorless, colorless and tasteless powder that gets put into your cat’s water bowl. This product helps prevent dental decay, plaque, tartar, and bad breath. Gray Muzzle also offers a dental product called Brushless-Toothpaste. This is a dental, soft chewable that is great for older cats or cats with gum tenderness or missing teeth. It helps control plaque and tartar and helps reduces bad breath.

Your cat’s dental health is important. If you ignore any possible teeth problems, your cat could develop heart or kidney issues. But remember, always have a discussion with your vet before using any of the products or methods above. To purchase Ark Naturals and Gray Muzzle cat dental products, click here.