You know it’s important to brush your own teeth. We humans have a seemingly endless array of tools to keep our smiles bright and healthy, from electric brushes to specialty toothpastes to whitening washes.
But what about your cat’s teeth? Cats, like humans, also suffer from dental problems—and while you may not have to budget for braces, some at-home oral care is in order.
The most common dental condition cats deal with is known as feline tooth resorption, according to Dr. Django Martel, a board certified veterinary dentist at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. “Feline tooth resorption is an attack by the body to the teeth,” he says. “It basically melts holes in the teeth. Statistically, about 70 percent of cats will have one or more affected teeth in their mouths over the course of their lives.”
The exact cause of this problem isn’t known, Martel says, but it’s believed that some cats probably have a genetic predisposition. Plaque and bacteria that live in the teeth are believed to be at least partially to blame.
In addition to feline tooth resorption, periodontal disease (more commonly known as a gum disease) is also fairly common in cats, especially young cats. “As bacterial biofilm, or plaque, sits on the teeth and below the gum line, gingivitis will be present,” says Dr. Tiffany Menke, a board certified veterinary dentist at Austin Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center. “This inflammation will progress over time and lead to bone loss, or periodontal disease.”
The best way to prevent both tooth resorption and gum disease is a daily brushing routine at home that starts at a young age, Martel says. Because cats’ teeth fully grow in around six months of age, he recommends starting then.
Before you brush your cat’s teeth for the first time, have your vet do an examination. Any problems should be addressed before starting an oral care routine.
“If a cat has tooth resorption and you try to brush it, it hurts,” says Martel. “A veterinarian will know if they need a tooth taken care of. If they don’t, you can try brushing at home. If they do, wait a couple weeks. Then, after they heal from the extraction, you can begin a routine.”
Let your cat sample the toothpaste before introducing a brush, suggests Menke. Put a little bit on your finger and let your cat sniff and lick it. Then, you can try putting it on his teeth and rubbing your finger back and forth.
“Any toothpaste you use with your cat should be enzymatic and pet-friendly,” says Menke. “This means no fluoride and bleaches, as found in human toothpaste. It’s important to remember that our pets don’t spit, so the toothpaste must be safe to swallow.”
Once you’re ready for a toothbrush, Martel suggests using a human pediatric soft bristle toothbrush. While some brushes designed specifically for pets are good, he says nothing beats the quality of a human brush. “Put your index finger on the back of the brush. Don’t hold it like you would for yourself,” he says. “This gives you the ability to really know what you’re doing in there.”
Martel notes that it’s only important to brush the outside (cheek side) of a cat’s teeth, as the tongue is capable of keeping the inside of the teeth relatively plaque-free.
Each step should be repeated a few times before advancing to the next step. Generously reward positive behaviors with your cat’s favorite treats.
“I always say that as soon as you’re starting to hold the animal down to brush, you’re making a mistake,” Martel says. “They have to stay there tacitly and let you do it.” It might take two weeks or more to get your cat calm enough, he adds, but you shouldn’t start brushing until he’s ready.
No matter how slowly you take things, some cats simply won’t allow you near their teeth. For these cats, Menke recommends non-brushing products designed to help keep teeth healthy. “There are prescription dental diets that you can speak to your veterinarian about. These products have plaque and tartar prevention,” she says. “There are also gels and water additives that prevent plaque accumulation when used as directed.”
Consult with your veterinarian before trying any new products. And no matter how much brushing your cat allows you to do, schedule an annual oral health exam to ensure his teeth and gums are healthy.