The most common form of feline dental disease is tartar buildup not cavities. This causes irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth, resulting in exposure of the roots. Eventually leading to infection and tooth loss. It is so important to take care of your pets teeth. Since our pets can't speak our language you might not know for years that your furball has a painful tooth ache. You can avoid expensive dental bills, pain and discomfort, especially if you start them young.


If you dont take care of your pets teeth, several things can happen. Infection will accumulate in the mouth, resulting in gingivitis (gums), tonsillitis, and pharyngitis (sore throat). Although antibiotics may temporarily help the infection, if you do not remove the tartar, the infection will return quite rapidly. Infection can spread into the blood stream and be carried to other parts of their body. Kidney and heart infections frequently begin in the mouth.The tartar can push the gums away from the roots of the teeth allowing the teeth to loosen in their sockets. Infection will then enter the root socket causing the teeth to loosen and fall out or have to be extracted.


So you want to attempt to brush your pets teeth. You need to make sure your pet is relaxed, wihtout alot going on around you. You dont want to sit on your pet to get them to stay put. This is new to them so take it easy. Keep the beginning sessions short and quick until they are comfortable.


First you want your furball acquanted with strange things going into their mouths. Dip a couple of your fingers into something tasty you know your pet would want to lick off. Gradually rub them around their teeth and gums as though you were brushing. Since plaque usually adheres to the outsides of the teeth, it is best to concentrate on those areas. Once you've gotten your pet accustomed to your fingers in their mouths, remember this may take time, you can advance to wrapping some sterile gauze around your fingers. Repeat the process.


Once you feel she has graduated this process, upgrade to a toothbrush. There are a few kinds available at pet stores. You may want to try one first that you would feel comfortable using. We prefer the finger brush as it is easier to manage. Now you need to get your pet used to the bristles so you can start by dipping the brush again into a tasty treat. If they take right away you should go right to a specially designed pet toothpaste. They come in flavors desirable to your pet. Dont use people toothpaste!


Start out slow and use circular motions around the teeth and gums. Go gentle on the gums. If they bleed a little, they should eventually toughen up. If they become unruly, then dont push it. Go back later and try again. You dont want this to be an unpleasant experience or you will never get them confortable with this ever so important task. Try to eventually concentrate towards the back of the teeth as this is where most of the buildup can occure. Stop before your cat wants you to stop or the cat will know if they fuss first, you will stop quicker and never get anything done.


You want to eventaully get your pet on a regular brushing regimen, just as you would yourself. Don't be lazy about it. Painful teeth is no laughing matter! You may want to schedule your pets teeth right after you brush your own. If you take the procedure slow and easy it will be snap and your pet will actually enjoy this type of grooming. Always be sure to praise your furball for doing such a great job!


Alternatives to home brushing would be taking them to the veterinarians office. This can be costly and risky, especially for older pets. You would receive a more thorough cleaning but if you start at home when they are young, you should be quite successful. Even with older pets. It just takes more time and alot more patience on your behalf.


Cleaning at the vets consists of anesthesia to properly clean the teeth, thus causing a risk with older cats. They would do scaling to remove tartar above and below the gums. Ultrasonic and hand instruments are utilized for this. A good polishing to reduce additional plaque from building up. Then they would flush the mouth and teeth to get rid of all the removed tartar. A flouride would be applied to strengthen the enamel to help decrease future plaque buildup.


You need to keep in mind that feeding your pet moist foods and table scraps can increase the risk of buildup. Hard crunchy food can help decrease the chances of this happening. There are also toys that can help reduce tartar buildup. Check your pet store for ideas on what your pet may like. Never give them something too hard as this may cause a tooth to break or wear down so they have no teeth left to chew with!


Good luck, be patient and brush regularly!










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