As pet owners, we want our feline friends to be healthy and happy, and that includes taking care of their dental health. Dental disease is a common but often overlooked issue in cats that can lead to significant discomfort and more severe health problems if left untreated.

At Swaggle, we are committed to providing expert care and education to help you maintain your cat's optimal health. This guide, informed by veterinary expertise, will cover essential aspects of cat dental care, preventive measures, and the best products to use.

Early Detection and Training

Dental issues can start at a young age. It's crucial to begin dental care early with your kitten. Regular veterinary visits, starting from the first vaccinations, can help identify any potential dental problems early. Training your kitten to accept handling of their mouth, ears, and feet can make dental check-ups less stressful. Positive reinforcement with treats and play can turn this into a positive experience.

Vaccination Checks

During vaccination checks, which occur every 3-4 weeks until your kitten is 16 weeks old, your vet will perform a full health check, including examining the mouth to identify any early dental issues. Early detection is key to preventing more serious problems later on.

Training Tips

Start by gently handling your kitten’s mouth, ears, and feet daily. Use treats, play and praise to reward your kitten after each session. Gradually increase the duration and thoroughness of the checks as your kitten becomes more comfortable.

Common Dental Problems in Cats

Cats, like humans, can suffer from a variety of dental issues. These problems can range from minor inconveniences to serious health concerns that require medical intervention. Being aware of these common dental problems can help you take proactive steps to ensure your cat's oral health.

Malocclusions

Due to face shape and size, some cats may have teeth that don't align correctly. Malocclusions occur when the teeth do not align properly, often due to the cat's facial structure. This misalignment can range from mild to severe and may lead to difficulties in chewing, increased plaque accumulation, and a higher risk of periodontal disease. While this may not always cause immediate problems, maintaining clean teeth is crucial to prevent any issues. Regular dental checks can help monitor and manage malocclusions effectively.

Retained Teeth

A common problem, especially with canines, where baby teeth fail to fall out and obstruct the growth of adult teeth. Early detection, usually around six months, is essential to prevent long-term issues. Retained teeth can lead to misalignment and other complications if not addressed promptly. The primary concern with retained teeth is that they can disrupt the normal eruption path of the adult teeth, causing crowding and abnormal positioning, which can increase the risk of plaque build-up and periodontal disease. It's crucial to address retained teeth early to avoid these complications.

Juvenile Gingivitis

This disease affects cats around 5-6 months of age and can lead to severe gum disease if not managed properly. Breeds like Siamese, Abyssinian, Burmese, Himalayan, Persian, and Maine Coon are more predisposed. Juvenile gingivitis is thought to be multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, immune response, and oral bacteria. The condition can progress to juvenile hyperplastic gingivitis and/or periodontitis, characterised by gum recession and bone loss around the teeth.

Periodontal Disease

Often seen in middle-aged and older cats, this results from plaque calcifying into tartar, damaging the gums and bones. Regular dental checks and home care can help prevent this.

Tooth resorptive lesions

Some cats for reasons not completely known develop holes in their teeth. These are not like the caries humans develop but lesion on or just below the gum line. They are very painful as they progress into the internal portions of the tooth and can lead to tooth fracture. It is important to have you cat’s mouth checked on a regular basis to ensure they are not living with this condition. Extraction of the affected teeth is the only treatment. 

Steps for Home Dental Care

Implementing an effective dental care routine at home is essential to prevent dental diseases and maintain your cat's overall health. 

Start Early

Begin dental care when your cat is young to get them used to the process. Early habituation to mouth handling makes future dental care easier and less stressful for both you and your cat. Gradually introduce brushing by gently touching your kitten's mouth and teeth, rewarding them with praise and treats to create a positive association.

Use the Right Products

Using products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) can significantly reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Here are some recommended products:

Cat Dental Treats

Using dental treats can help in maintaining your cat's dental health. Greenies Dental Treats for cats are a popular and effective option, available in flavours like Tempting Tuna, Oven Roasted Chicken, and Savoury Salmon.

Royal Canin Dental Care Adult Dry Cat Food

Specifically formulated to support dental health, this food helps reduce plaque formation and supports oral health with a kibble texture that simulates a tooth-brushing effect as your cat chews.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental Adult Dry Cat Food

A veterinary diet designed to reduce tartar formation and maintain oral health. It includes ingredients that support dental hygiene and overall health.

Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Cat Food

This food is formulated to help clean your cat's teeth and freshen their breath. The kibble's texture is designed to scrub your cat's teeth, reducing plaque and tartar build-up.

Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care Dry Cat Food

This prescription diet helps control plaque, tartar, and stain build-up, ensuring your cat's teeth remain healthy.

Regular Cleaning

Brush your cat's teeth regularly and use oral rinses or gels to keep their mouth clean. Aim to brush your cat's teeth daily or at least several times a week. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste, such as those included in the Arm & Hammer Fresh Breath Dental Kit for Cats. The tuna-flavoured toothpaste is designed to make the experience more pleasant for your cat.

Additionally, oral rinses like Arm & Hammer Fresh Breath Dental Water Additive can help reduce plaque and maintain oral hygiene.

Routine Vet Visits

Regular dental checks by a vet can catch issues early and provide professional cleaning when needed. Schedule annual dental examinations for your cat to ensure any developing dental issues are identified and addressed promptly. Your veterinarian can also provide professional cleaning services that reach below the gum line, where plaque and tartar can accumulate and cause periodontal disease.

Handling Dental Emergencies

When it comes to dental health, emergencies can arise suddenly and require immediate attention to prevent further complications and pain. Knowing how to handle dental emergencies ensures that your cat receives the care they need promptly.

Fractured Teeth

Cats can fracture their teeth due to trauma or resorptive lesions. Immediate veterinary attention is required for internal fractures, while resorptive lesions often necessitate extractions to alleviate pain.

Traumatic Fractures

These are caused by accidents or injuries, such as falls, fights, or impacts. If a traumatic fracture exposes the pulp cavity (the nerve and blood supply of the tooth), it can be extremely painful and may lead to infection. Urgent repair by a veterinarian is necessary to save the tooth. The vet may perform a root canal treatment or, in severe cases, extract the tooth to prevent further complications.

Resorptive Lesions

These lesions are common in cats and involve the gradual destruction of the tooth structure starting from below the gum line. The exact cause of resorptive lesions is unknown, but they are painful and can lead to significant discomfort for the cat. Unfortunately, resorptive lesions cannot be treated with fillings or other restorative procedures. Extractions are usually required to stop the pain and prevent the lesion from progressing. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to catch these lesions early and manage them effectively.

In both cases, prompt veterinary care is essential. If you notice that your cat has a broken tooth, is drooling excessively, has difficulty eating, or shows signs of pain (such as pawing at the mouth or avoiding being touched near the face), seek veterinary attention immediately. Early intervention can prevent further pain and complications, ensuring your cat's comfort and health.

At Swaggle, we understand the importance of dental health in cats and strive to provide the best advice and products to ensure your pet's well-being. Regular dental care, using the right products, and early detection of issues can prevent long-term problems and keep your cat happy and healthy. 

Visit Swaggle's dental care range and give your cat the best chance at a healthy, happy life. Remember, a healthy smile means a happy pet!