Dental disease, including gingivitis, plaque and tartar, is unfortunately common in cats. It's estimated that the majority of cats will face some form of dental issue during their lifetime.
The risk of developing dental issues increases with age and is influenced by a complex combination of factors.
Does feeding dry food help with cleaning cats’ teeth?
It’s a widespread misconception that feeding dry food alone will prevent dental disease in cats, evidence supporting its effectiveness for dental health is limited.
How should you care for your cat’s teeth?
The most effective way to look after your cat’s teeth is with daily brushing using a small cat friendly toothbrush or a finger brush and cat-safe toothpaste. (Regular human toothpaste isn't safe to give to cats.)
The aim of regular brushing is to disrupt the layer of plaque which quickly builds up on cats' teeth and leads to tartar, gingivitis and other dental health issues.
It can be tricky to brush a cat's teeth since they often don’t enjoy handling around their head and mouth. But most cats, even older cats, can learn to tolerate some dental care with time, patience and a stress-free approach.
How to brush your cat’s teeth
Introducing your cat to the toothbrush should be done slowly and in steps. Otherwise, it’ll be a battle every day. And that’s no fun for anyone. Make sure your cat is comfortable with each step before moving on to the next.
Step 1. Gently open your cat's mouth
Start by gently opening your cat’s mouth to allow them to get used to it. This will be useful for many things, like administering medicine, so it’s good for your cat to learn. Encourage them to open their mouth by gently pressing on either side of their jaw.
Step 2. Move your finger along their teeth
When they’re used to you opening their mouth and looking inside, introduce your fingers. Gently move your finger along their teeth. Add a littlecat toothpaste after the first few times. Or use a cotton bud dipped in tuna juice (Spring water. Not brine or oil) to gently rub their teeth. There’s no benefits but your cat will enjoy the flavour. And it’ll help them get used to the pressure on their teeth.
Step 3. Introduce the toothbrush
Slowly start introducing the toothbrush. Start off with letting your cat just lick the brush before moving on to brushing their teeth for a few seconds. Work your way up over time. Eventually, you’ll want to be able to brush their teeth for around 2 minutes a day.
How often should I brush my cat’s teeth?
Just like your own dental routine, this should be done every day. But we know that can be tricky. Even a minimum of 3 days a week can make a difference.
Sometimes, your cat won’t like you brushing their teeth. If that happens, don’t panic. There are a few other options:
If the toothbrush doesn’t work out, you can rub the cat toothpaste onto their teeth with your finger.
PlaqueOff is a natural feed supplement you can sprinkle on your cat's food, which reduces bad breath, plaque and tartar. But make sure you check with your vet – you can’t use this if your cat has thyroid disease.
If you’d like to take better care of your cat’s teeth, but you’re not sure where to start, our Cat Experts and In-House Vet Team are here to help.
When should I contact my vet?
Regular vet check ups are an essential part of preventing the onset of dental health issues, to catch and address any signs of poor dental health early before it can develop.
You should let your vet know if you notice any of the following:
Smelly breath
Excessive drooling
Redness or swelling of the gums or mouth
Difficulty eating or a reduced appetite
Discomfort around the head or mouth