Even more than humans, cats need proper dental care. Unfortunately our feline friends are unable to brush their teeth, this means that the responsibility for their dental care lies with their human companion.
If cats don’t get that care, they could end up with a bacterial infection of the mouth called Feline Periodontitis. This is the beginning of decay, and symptoms of this condition start as mildly inflamed gums and can develop into gum disease, mouth pain and even bone and tooth loss.
Things to watch out for
Your cat may have feline periodontitis if you’ve noticed any of the following symptoms:
- Smelly breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Yellow or brown teeth
- Loose or missing teeth
- Difficulty chewing hard food
How to stop things getting worse
Fortunately, periodontal disease can be prevented, treated and even reversed if caught early. With a bit of help from Our Vet, you can protect your puss by taking one or more of the following simple steps:
- Brush teeth regularly using a toothpaste formulated for cats
- Visit Our Vet for regular professional dental cleanings
- Give your cat dental treats regularly
- Feed your cat a prescription diet formulated to fight periodontitis
- Use a special water additive like Aquadent.
Other reasons to look after your cat’s teeth avoiding periodontitis isn’t the only reason to make sure your cat has a clean bill of dental health. Regular cleaning can also prevent gingivitis (painful inflammation of the gums) and halitosis (bad breath), and has even been linked to a lower risk of kidney disease! Get your cat’s dental health checked at least every six months. If you notice any of the above symptoms, make an appointment straight away, to get your feline friend on the road to health.
