Oral disease is a serious issue that affects 90% of cats over four years old. But don't despair! As a responsible pet owner, there are steps you can take to avoid dental diseases. We will talk about these in today's blog.

Inside a Cat's Mouth

Cats have a distinct set of teeth designed for tearing and ripping, unlike the flatter human teeth, mainly used for grinding. Felines are obligate carnivores, so their digestive systems are optimized to digest high amounts of protein with little carbohydrates. 

The shape of cats' teeth allows food to get caught between the teeth and sit along the gum line, resulting in plaque. Plaque is a sticky material that sticks to the tooth surface. Regrettably, felines do not have the enzymes in their mouths to combat microorganisms as humans do, so it is necessary to keep an eye on your feline's dental health and wellness.

Checking the Health of a Cat's Mouth

Do dental care routine checks of your feline's mouth to ensure that they have healthy teeth and that the mouth is overall in good condition. When checking, here are the things that you should pay attention to:

• Look for any signs of chipping or discoloration, broken teeth, tooth decay, and sores or lesions on their gums. 
• The gums must be pink and healthy, with no soreness, swelling, or bleeding. 
• Inspect the back of your cat's mouth for abscesses, swelling, lesions, or bumps. 

If you see anything unusual throughout your evaluation, immediately take your cat to a vet for further assessment.

Regular checks on your cat's mouth are necessary to guarantee they stay healthy and happy. Your veterinarian can give a comprehensive examination and guide you on the ideal ways to take care of your cat's mouth. If your cat gets too stressed out when you try to inspect its mouth, or it's difficult to safely do it, you can take them to a vet instead.

Keeping Your Cat's Teeth Clean

Keeping your cat's teeth clean is fundamental to their general wellness. Daily brushing is ideal, but if you can't do this, brush your cat's teeth at least twice a week. Get your cat used to toothbrushing from an early age, so you'll have no problems when they become adults. 

When it comes to your cat's teeth cleaning routine, it is ideal to have the appropriate tools. Complete dental kits like toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental wipes, and other devices designed specifically for cats are available in the veterinary center and pet stores. This pet toothbrush is specifically designed to cater to a cat's mouth. But if you think your cat is not yet ready for a pet toothbrush, you can start by using a finger cot or gauze covered in pet toothpaste. Some pet parents say they dipped their fingers in the water from a canned tuna before doing a finger brush.

Keeping Your Cat's Mouth Healthy

Maintaining your cat's oral hygiene is fundamental to keeping them healthy and happy. It's not just brushing their teeth but also caring for their gums. After cleaning your cat's teeth, massage the gums to promote blood flow. This help in keeping gum issues at bay.

You can also use products to help keep your cat's mouth clean and healthy. There are treats are specially formulated to help eliminate plaque, control tartar accumulation, and freshen your cat's breath. These treats can be given regularly as part of your pet cat's oral health routine. Looking after your cat's overall oral wellness will ensure they are healthy and happy for many years to come!

Prices of Feline Oral Care

The expense of cat dental care can be a challenging responsibility for pet parents. Depending on where you live, the age and health of your cat, and the extent of medical treatment required, the prices can differ considerably. For example, a tooth removal for cats can range from $300 to $1300 and usually includes bloodwork, x-rays, cleaning, and medication. Different severe dental treatments, such as root canals or gum surgical treatment, can swiftly snowball into a massive expense.

Thankfully, there are ways to manage these costs. Regular cleaning and dental checkups can help prevent plaque build-up and other dental diseases in cats. If you cannot routinely clean your feline's teeth, dental treats, and chew toys can help reduce plaque build-up. Health insurance for your cat might also help cover several of these prices, depending on your plan. Lastly, taking your feline in for regular checks is essential to ensure that any possible problems that are caught before they become severe and more expensive.

Last Words

Felines are known for their cleanliness, but when it comes to oral care, they often need a little help. Without regular brushing and checkups, cats can develop severe dental health problems that cause pain and discomfort. That's why it's essential to see that your cat gets the proper oral care they need.

Regular toothbrushing is one of the best ways to keep your cat's oral health at its best. This helps to get rid of plaque and bacteria from the surface of the teeth, which can become gum conditions and other problems if left untreated. In addition, routine checkups with your vet will help you catch any potential troubles beforehand before they become much more severe. It's likewise vital to keep an eye out for signs of dental issues in your cat, such as foul-smelling breath, too much drooling, or difficulty consuming. These steps will ensure that your pet cat remains healthy, balanced, and satisfied for years ahead!