It’s an unfortunate fact that nearly 70% of cats have periodontal disease by the age of 3! The single most effective way to keep your kitten’s gums healthy and to control plaque is to brush their teeth every day. The best time to start is when they’re still young. Although it may seem daunting, with lots of patience, most kittens will eventually accept having their teeth brushed.
Here are some simple steps to get you started:
First, get your kitten comfortable with having their mouth handled. Gently rub your kitten’s lips several times a day, followed by raising their lips and rubbing their gums with your fingers. If your kitten is mouthy, spend a longer time on this step and make it extra rewarding by giving them something yummy, like their favorite lickable treat.
Next, cover your finger with gauze or a damp face cloth and rub your kitten’s gums along the tooth line. Then introduce a toothbrush and toothpaste approved for cats. Let your kitten sniff and lick the brush. Never use human toothpaste—it’s not designed to be swallowed by pets.
Many pet toothpastes are formulated to taste good to cats. You can occasionally use a taste of the toothpaste as a treat to help your kitten associate the toothpaste with good things.
Once your kitten is completely accustomed to you rubbing their teeth with a cloth and shows no fear of the toothbrush, it’s time to start using the toothbrush to brush their teeth.
Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you’re finished because a cat’s mouth contains plenty of bacteria.
You should continue attempting to brush your kitten’s teeth into adulthood. Veterinary dentists recommend brushing your pet’s teeth once daily. For many pet owners, this isn’t feasible. Remember that brushing teeth a couple times per week is better than never! And tooth brushing isn’t your only option for improving your kitten’s dental health.
Dental chews and dental toys could be added to your kitten’s care routine to help promote good oral health. These work by scrubbing plaque and tartar off your kitten’s teeth as they chew. If you can’t routinely brush your kitten’s teeth, consider dental chews as an easy alternative. Just keep in mind that brushing your kitten’s teeth is the gold standard and is most likely to make the most significant difference in the long run.
Maintain your kitten’s oral health with chews, toothbrushes and other dental essentials.
