You are viewing entries tagged 'teeth'.
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You may be seeking information to cure your cat’s bad breath because it bowls you over every time he yawns. But it’s also important to cure because halitosis in a cat often indicates a buildup of bacterial growth or a digestive disorder. The first thing to possibly try a new diet. Consult with your vet about a new food that has enzymes to help control the bacteria.
The next thing to tackle is his teeth. Powered pet toothbrushes and special pet toothpaste can really help but make sure to wait at least a half-hour after eating before brushing your cat’s teeth. Or try adding something like Dental Fresh with chlorophyll to your cat’s water. If his breath continues to be bad after treating the tartar and plaque, see your vet – it could indicate diabetes, kidney or liver disease.
Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
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Is it true that dry food is better for cats with dental problems because it helps remove plaque and that canned foods cause more plaque buildup?
NO! Many cats swallow dry food without chewing or if they do chew it, it often crumbles without much resistance, offering little to no abrasive action from chewing. Cats eating dry foods can (and do) develop heavy plaque buildup. Only if your cat has particularly bad plaque problems, despite proper at-home teeth brushing and veterinary dental care, should you ask your vet about a special dental diet.
Approved dental diets contain chemicals that bind and facilitate breakdown of plaque. A list of approved foods and dental treats that have been scientifically proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup has been published by the Veterinary Oral Health Council at www.vohc.org.
Dr. Spector is a veterinarian, nutritional advisor & pet lover! For more information about pet health, visit us online at www.vcapets.com. |
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Yes, anesthesia is required for a thorough teeth cleaning that will help prevent periodontal disease. As cat owners are often reluctant about procedures requiring anesthesia, some groomers and vets are offering “anesthesia-free” dental cleanings. The American Veterinary Dental College advises against these procedures as they always result in suboptimal examination and cleaning and also increase the risk of injury to your cat’s mouth.
Dental health should not be neglected in cats because dental disease often results in tooth and gum infections, pain, loss of teeth and even organ damage. Talk to your vet about the best dental care plan for your cat.
Dr. Spector is a veterinarian, nutritional advisor & pet lover! For more information about dental health, visit us online at www.vcapets.com. |
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Bad breath is often an indication of periodontal disease. This serious condition affects 70% of cats by age 3, resulting in tooth and gum infections, pain, loss of teeth and even organ damage.
To avoid this common problem, owners must brush their cats’ teeth twice daily using special cat toothbrushes and toothpaste. For best results, being during kittenhood so your cat easily adjusts to the process of teeth cleaning.
If your cat is completely unwilling to allow brushing, ask your vet about dental wipes that help control plaque. In addition to daily tooth brushing, cats will require veterinary dental cleanings to avoid painful periodontal disease. Get a dental checkup at least once yearly.
Dr. Spector is a veterinarian, nutritional advisor & pet lover! For more information about dental health, visit us online at www.vcapets.com. |
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