How to Care For Your Cat’s Teeth

Just like regular dental care for humans, your cat’s teeth need regular attention, too. If your feline friend has a smelly breath, it could be a sign that something’s not right. Dental disease in cats is surprisingly common, but the good news is that it’s also very preventable. Let’s explain how to clean your cat’s teeth, why dental hygiene is so important, when to visit your vet for support and other helpful dental tips.

Why Cat Dental Care Matters

Smelly breath in cats is often more than just unpleasant – it can tell you your pet is in the early stages of dental disease. Just like humans, cats can suffer from a build-up of plaque, gum inflammation (gingivitis), tooth decay and more serious conditions like feline oral resorptive lesions (FORLs). When untreated, your cat can experience severe pain, infections and tooth loss. It can even develop into other problems for their overall health.

Because cats can’t brush their own teeth, plaque and bacteria tend to accumulate very quickly, especially if their diet lacks the right texture to help keep teeth clean. Over time, that plaque calcifies into tartar, which causes gum inflammation and eventual tooth damage.

The good news? You can prevent most dental issues with a proactive dental care routine at home, as well as with regular check-ups with your local vet.

Signs of Cat Dental Problems

If you know about the signs of dental disease and how to spot it early on, you can prevent more serious complications from occurring. Regularly check your feline friend for:

Tartar build-up: Yellow or brown deposits on their teeth, especially near the gumline.
Gingivitis: Red and swollen gums that sometimes bleed.
FORLs (feline oral resorptive lesions): Painful decay of the tooth, which isn’t always visible to the eye.
Fractured teeth: More common in outdoor cats who’ve experienced dental trauma or chew on hard objects.

Some symptoms to keep an eye out for include:

Bad breath (persistent).
Reluctance to eat dry food or chew.
Drooling or pawing at their mouth.
Loss of appetite or sudden weight loss.
Preferring to lick food instead of chewing it.
Inflamed or bleeding gums.

If you notice any of these symptoms, book a dental check-up with your regular vet. You can also learn more about signs of dental disease in pets.

How to Clean Your Cat’s Teeth at Home

Brushing your cat’s teeth might sound tricky, especially if they are wily and energetic. However, many owners find that their cats adjust well over time with a patient approach. Brushing is the gold standard for removing plaque and keeping teeth in great shape.

Brushing steps:

Introduce the toothpaste: Start slow by letting your cat lick a small amount of pet-safe toothpaste (never use human toothpaste – it’s toxic to cats).
Choose a soft toothbrush: Use a cat-specific brush or a soft child’s toothbrush.
Start slow: Gently lift the lips and rub the outer surfaces of a few teeth.
Gradually increase time: Build up to brushing all the teeth, ideally in one sitting.
Positive reinforcement: Reward your cat with affection or a treat after brushing.

There’s beef or chicken-flavoured toothpaste for pets, as well as other products to help keep your cat’s teeth bright and healthy.

How Often Should You Brush Your Cat’s Teeth?

Daily brushing is the best way to stop plaque from building up, but we know that might not always be possible. Brushing at least two to three times a week can still make a huge difference. Like all things, consistency is key. Establish a routine early on, especially if your cat is still a kitten, to help them adjust more easily to the process.

Other Ways to Keep Your Cat’s Teeth Clean

Dry food and dental diets: Dry kibble is mildly abrasive, so it can help clean the teeth as your cat chews.
Dental treats: Look out for treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
Raw chicken necks: These can help with dental hygiene, but should only be given under the guidance of your vet.
Water additives and dental gels: They can be added to your cat’s food or water to help with plaque.

Just like brushing, these products work best when your cat’s teeth are already clean and healthy. A professional cleaning might be necessary before starting a preventative dental care regimen.

What Happens During a Vet Dental Check-Up?

If you think your cat might have some dental problems – or even if you’re just unsure – book an appointment for a cat dental care check. Here’s what you can expect during a visit:

Oral exam: Your vet will inspect your cat’s teeth, gums and mouth for signs of tartar and gingivitis.
Recommendations: Depending on what they find, your vet might suggest changes to your cat’s diet or brushing technique.
Professional cleaning: If tartar is present, you might need to book a cat dental cleaning (involving a dental scale and polish), which will be done under general anaesthesia.
X-rays: Your vet might need to check below the gumline or assess for FORLs or tooth fractures.
Tooth extractions: If any teeth are too damaged to save, your vet will discuss extraction options.

Greencross Vets use a dental grading chart to help understand the severity of dental disease and draw up a personalised treatment plan for your pet.

Bottom line? Dental disease develops silently and can go unnoticed until it becomes painful or problematic. That’s why regular dental check-ups are so important, even when your cat seems fine. Take positive steps early on – like brushing and dental diets – to protect your cat’s comfort levels and overall wellbeing.

Book a Cat Dental Check Today

Your cat’s dental health is a big part of their quality of life. Don’t wait until bad breath or gum problems pop up. Proactive care is the best way to keep your feline friend happy and healthy. You can book a dental health check with Greencross Vets today and give your cat the care they deserve.