We’ve all been there … brushing our teeth when we catch our cat staring at us in the mirror.
They’re either plotting world domination or wondering, “Why isn’t my human brushing MY teeth?”
If you haven’t given much thought to cat teeth cleaning before now, that’s OK. It’s never too late to teach an old dog (or cat) owner new tricks!
Keep reading because we put together 3 surprising facts about why you need a cat toothpaste.
Fact # 1: Cat Teeth Cleaning Can Help Prevent Resorptive Lesions
Tooth resorption in cats is a painful dental condition marked by lesions that cause the loss of a tooth’s bone structure. Often, owners have no idea their cats have this condition until they notice some missing teeth from their otherwise adorable smiles.
Resorptive lesions start with the loss of enamel, most often right at the gum line. Then the tooth’s dentin begins to erode. Dentin is the bulk of a tooth’s structure. It’s also the gateway to the pulp of the tooth, where the nerves are stored. That’s why tooth resorption is so painful for our feline friends!
The Scoop on Tooth Resorption in Cats
- Affects 20–60% of all cats
- Leading cause of tooth loss in cats
- Most often affects cats over 5 years old
- More common in purebred cats, particularly Siamese and Abyssinians
- Lesions most often found in the molars and premolars
- Signs include irritation and aggression
- Cats may express a change in appetite or foods they’ll eat, difficulty chewing, increased salivation, oral bleeding, or showing pain when their jaws are touched.
Controlling plaque buildup with a cat toothpaste, either applied straight to the gums or on a toothbrush, plays an important role in protecting tooth enamel.
Whether you suspect your cat has tooth resorption or not, be sure to have your vet examine your cat’s teeth at your next appointment.
Fact #2: Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth Can Help Your Cat Live Longer
One of the best ways we can count on more years with our cats is to take care of their teeth.
This can help our cats avoid periodontal disease (advanced gum disease), which can literally take years off their lives. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, most cats have some evidence of periodontal disease by age 3.
Preventing periodontal disease is all about controlling plaque and tartar buildup. (Check out The Truth About Tartar Buildup on My Cat’s Teeth.)
A tried-and-true way to care for cats’ teeth is by brushing them. We think this cat toothpaste is the cat’s meow because it has the proven, recommended-by-vets, totally non-toxic Oxygene® as the star ingredient to fight plaque and freshen their breath. Plus, if our cats have swollen or sore gums, they’re sure to appreciate the soothing aloe in this formula.
P.S. If you try toothbrushing and it does not go well, you can always use a Pet Dental Water Additive. It will give you the same benefits without all the claw marks. _x0001F609_
Fact #3: Cat Teeth Cleaning = Save $$
Taking care of our cats’ teeth now, can save us money later! According to Pet Life Today, the average cost to have a tooth extraction done on cats is $300–$1500.
Many cat owners report that having a regular, at-home teeth cleaning routine has diminished their need to have their cats’ teeth cleaned professionally, saving them green.
Just imagine all the extra balls of string we could buy!
Got any questions about cat teeth cleaning or the cat dental products you just read about? Comment below and when we’re done with our rousing game of flashlight tag, we’ll get right back to you!
