How long has it been since you´ve been to the dentist? And now, how long has it been since you took your cat in for his dental check-up? Well, if the answer to the second question is longer than one year, then you are neglecting your cat! That´s right, your cat needs to receive the proper dental care, too. What does this mean? This means that you should have your vet check your cat´s teeth at least once a year, more often if he is having teeth problems. It also means that you should be brushing his teeth at least once a week and checking his treats to make sure they do not contain too much sugar. So what happens if you fail to do these things? Here are a few of the problems your cat may have without the proper dental care.
- Oral disease is one of the most frequently-diagnosed diseases in pets. Without brushing, your cat will be at risk of developing an oral disease. It begins with the build up of bacteria, combined with saliva and food debris caught between the teeth and gums. This can cause plaque to form and it will eventually develop into tartar if left untreated.
- Your cat´s gums will bleed and eventually, plaque and tarter build up will cause pockets to form in the gums. These pockets will fill with puss due to infection and make it painful for your pet to eat or use his mouth at all.
- You should watch for the following warning signs to help prevent your pet´s condition from getting any worse: bad breath, change in eating habits, and pawing at the face or mouth.
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your vet immediately.
