Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Other Ways to Keep Teeth Clean
Dry foods tend to cause less plaque buildup than canned foods, so feed-
ing some dry food can help the teeth. Feline diets that are formulated
to prevent plaque buildup are available and can be fed as a maintenance
diet or as a treat. Specific dental treats are also available, but none of
these products will knock the existing plaque off the teeth.
Do You Need to Take Your Cat to a Dentist?
Your regular veterinarian should be able to provide routine dental
examinations and care. Some veterinarians are able to perform restora-
tions and root canals. Some can even perform orthodontics! If veteri-
narians choose to pursue it, they can be board-certified in dentistry.
During your cat's annual physical exam, his teeth and gums should
be examined and evaluated.Your veterinarian should let you know the
condition of your cat's teeth and if dentistry is needed. Each cat builds
up plaque at a different rate, but almost all cats need to have their teeth
professionally cleaned by the time they are four years old. How fre-
quently the animal will need the procedure repeated varies, but many
cats need their teeth cleaned every year. Cats with bad gums may even
need cleaning every six months.
If your veterinarian tells you your cat needs “a dental,” she is usual-
ly talking about cleaning, polishing, treating with fluoride and remov-
ing any infected, eroded or broken teeth. These procedures are per-
formed with the cat under general anesthesia, but as an outpatient; the
cat comes to the clinic in the morning and goes home at the end of the
day.Your cat's teeth are cleaned the same way yours are, but unfortu-
nately, cats are not willing to open up and say “ahhh.”
When dentistry is performed properly, many precautions are taken.
You should discuss any fears that you have regarding the procedure with
your veterinarian. Age is not a valid reason to decline a dental proce-
dure for your cat. Bad teeth and infection are harder on the cat's body
than dentistry and anesthesia.
Even if your cat is eating well, it doesn't mean his teeth don't hurt.
Owners frequently tell me how fabulously their cat is doing post-
dentistry.They say they did not realize how uncomfortable their cat was
until after the procedure was performed.
