Preventive Dental Care
Routine dental care matters.
A cat's dental health is a critical part of their overall health, however, it often goes overlooked. The reality is that oral hygiene plays a huge part in ensuring your pet lives a long, healthy life.
Dental disease is a common and serious problem. Approximately 80% of pets will develop periodontal disease by the time they are 3 years old and, if left untreated, it will spread to the tooth socket and destroy bone. It also allows bacteria to travel from the mouth and through the body which can affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver and cause chronic health issues.
The good news is that dental disease is entirely preventable and with regular preventive care, you can help your cat avoid the pitfalls associated with poor oral hygiene.
How can I help my cat maintain good oral hygiene?
The best way to make sure your pet’s teeth remain healthy is by having routine annual exams. Whether you have a kitten with a mouth full of baby teeth or an adult cat whose teeth need to be checked for plaque, tartar, or dental disease, having a veterinarian examine them is the first step to making sure they’re in good health.
During your cat's comprehensive physical, your veterinarian will perform a dental health assessment and make recommendations for preventive care. Sometimes this will mean performing good home preventative care, other times, it will mean scheduling an appointment for a dental cleaning or extraction.
Although we recommend brushing your cat's teeth daily as part of a good preventive care routine, we understand that it’s not always possible. Luckily, there are other ways to maintain your cat's oral health when you can’t brush their teeth.
- Utilize water additives
- Give your pet dental treats
- Choose a food that controls plaque and promotes dental health
- Be sure all products you use are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
- Schedule dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian
Call us at (614) 486-7877 to schedule your cat's oral health assessment or dental cleaning.
