It is important to keep your cat's mouth and teeth clean.The cat may be at risk for gum diseases if it does not have good oral hygiene.The build-up of plaque and tartar can cause gingivitis.If left unaddressed, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, which can be treated but not cured.Learning how to spot the signs of gingivitis will help prevent this from happening.If your cat has gingivitis, you should take it to the vet for regular check-ups.Regular brushing of your cat's teeth is necessary to treat gingivitis.
Step 1: Look at the teeth.
If you want to check your cat's teeth, sit down with him.If you want to see their gums, you have to part their lips with a finger.Gingivitis can cause redness and swelling around the gum line.They may have some plaque build-up on their teeth.The tooth will appear to be discolored.The cat might not like having their teeth looked at.Let them go if they struggle.You can soothe your cat by petting and talking to them while you look at their teeth.If there is a bad odor or a hard brown material on the teeth, it is time to see a vet.Your cat may have gingivitis or periodontitis.
Step 2: Bad breath is a red flag.
One of the first signs of gingivitis is bad breath.It is a good idea to smell your cat's breath.It may be a sign that there is something wrong with their mouth or teeth.You can make an appointment with the vet.
Step 3: There are signs that the cat may be in pain.
The inflammation in the cat's mouth can cause pain, but it may not be obvious.The cat may be pawing at their face.They may be unwilling to eat hard foods if their gums get injured.These are signs that something isn't right.
Step 4: Do you know if your cat is at increased risk?
Cats can get gingivitis.Certain factors may increase their risk.You should visit your vet for more frequent dental cleanings if these apply to your cat.Cats with crowded teeth are more likely to develop gingivitis.The risk of developing gingivitis is higher for cats with diabetes, feline leukemia, or feline immunodeficiency virus.Some cats, such as Siamese, Maine Coons, and Persians, are at higher risk of getting gingivitis.Take your cat to the vet if you suspect it has gingivitis.Damage to the structure of the cat's teeth can be caused by gingivitis.
Step 5: The vet may do an oral exam.
Let the vet know that you want them to do an oral dental exam on your cat.They will need to put your cat under general anesthesia so that they can examine it.The cat's teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth will be looked at during the exam.A dental cleaning may be done by your vet during this visit.This includes removing plaque from your cat's teeth.They will clean the cat's teeth.Your vet will recommend a daily cleaning for you if your cat has gingivitis.Unless your cat has an illness, this will be the first thing you do to reduce and reverse gingivitis.If your cat has gingivitis, surgery or other procedures may be necessary.Your vet will need to put your cat under anesthesia for a full dental exam.About 1 in 100,000 cats may experience side effects, such as swelling, a slowed heart rate, vomiting, anaphylactic shock, or death, but the risks are minimal.
Step 6: Do you want your cat to change their diet?
It is possible that your cat's diet can help prevent or treat gingivitis.Ask your vet if your current diet is acceptable or if you should put on a special dental diet food.Anti-plaque ingredients can be found in some brands of cat food.These can be found at your local pet store.Tartar build-up can be prevented with cat treats.Your vet can give you recommendations.Adding supplements to your cat's water may be recommended by your vet.
Step 7: Return for check-ups.
At least once a year, your cat should have a dental cleaning.This is an important step towards preventing gingivitis from developing even if your cat was not diagnosed with it.If your cat has gingivitis, periodontitis, or another dental issue, you may be asked to come in every six months for a check-up.
Step 8: Find a toothpaste that is cat-friendly.
Cats can't use the same toothpaste as humans because it's dangerous to them.You will have to find a cat-friendly toothpaste.Chicken or fish might be appealing to your cat.These can be purchased from your local pet store.Contained in cat toothpastes are ingredients like chlorhexidine and zinc gluconate.If your cat swallows human toothpaste, it can harm them.Cats are toxic to floride.
Step 9: There is a toothbrush for cats.
Special feline toothbrushes are small enough to fit in the cat's mouth.It's safer to use these on cats than it is on humans.They can be bought at a store.Do not use a toothbrush on a cat.Finger brushes are another option.You can use your finger to clean the cat's teeth with these slides.Some cats like to use their fingers.If you can't use a feline toothbrush with your cat, you might try a finger brush.
Step 10: The cat should be introduced to the toothpaste.
You should start brushing your cat's teeth slowly if they are not used to it.Put a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and let them lick it off.Start rubbing on the cat's front teeth after a week or two.You can start brushing once the cat is used to it.Try a different flavor of toothpaste if the cat doesn't like it.At first, the cat may resist.Stop and try again if they try to bite you.
Step 11: They should brush their teeth on a daily basis.
Good oral hygiene can be maintained with daily brushing.It can help reverse the symptoms of gingivitis and prevent future problems from developing.Put a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and brush the outside of the cat's teeth.Your cat may not stay still for long, so you may want to move quickly.Move the brush around each tooth for a few seconds before moving on to the next tooth.
Step 12: There is a mouth rinse.
Tartar build-up on your cat's teeth can be reduced with mouth rinses.chlorhexidine is usually contained in these.Some cats don't like the taste while others do.If the solution is liquid, you can squeeze it into the cat's mouth.You can spray it in their mouth if it comes in a spray bottle.It is important to read the instructions to make sure you are giving the right dose.
Step 13: Add a cleaning agent to your cat's water.
Adding a liquid solution to your cat's water dish is possible.You can add a small amount of the Additive to a quart of water per day.This will help keep your cat's teeth clean.