Few things bring as much joy to a cat’s life as the sound of the treat bag or their automatic feeder going off. But that joy can be stifled if your young cat develops painful dental disease. By committing to dental care for your cat early, you’re protecting your cat’s oral health (and enjoyment of snack time).
What is a dental cleaning for cats?
During a dental cleaning in cats, both hand and ultrasonic scalers are used to remove plaque and calculus. The VCA care team can reach plaque and tartar under the gumline, which is an area that you can’t reach with regular tooth brushing. This is important because tartar under the gumline is a main cause of periodontal disease. Once the scaling is done, the teeth are polished to remove microscopic scratches that plaque can cling to.
Why should young cats get dental cleanings?
Young cats can begin to develop periodontal disease before they’re 1 year old, and by the time they’re 4 years old, the majority of cats have periodontal disease. A dental cleaning performed early protects your young cat’s teeth as they grow into an adult.
During the dental cleaning, the veterinarian will also perform x-rays of the mouth that look for abnormalities under the gums, such as teeth that failed to grow in. Without x-rays performed during the dental cleaning, your veterinarian would not be able to identify these issues.
When should a young cat get their first dental cleaning?
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends a full dental cleaning for cats by the time they’re 1 year old. Dental cleanings are recommended annually thereafter.
Signs that your young cat may need a dental cleaning include:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Visible plaque or tartar on the teeth
- Red or inflamed gums
- Bleeding from the gums
- Difficulty eating or dropping food
- Excessive drooling
How to prepare a young cat for their first dental cleaning
You won’t have to do much at home to prepare your cat for the dental procedure. Your VCA care team will have you fast them overnight to prevent the risk of vomiting and inhaling vomited material while under anesthesia. Other than that, all you need to do is show up on time.
Prior to the dental cleaning, your veterinarian may recommend lab work to ensure your kitten or young cat is healthy enough for anesthesia. As much as your VCA care team wishes they could tell your cat to say “ah” and remain still, conscious cats aren’t the most compliant of dental patients. Anesthesia allows for a thorough dental examination, teeth cleaning and polishing. VCA’s anesthetic protocols prevent nausea and vomiting, common issues faced by cats who’ve been put under anesthesia.
Once your pet is anesthetized, intubated and doing well under anesthesia, the first step is the unconscious dental examination. During the dental examination, any abnormalities are noted in your pet’s medical record. A dental probe is used to check for pockets around the teeth, which could allow for accumulation of debris and subsequent decay. After the full examination, your VCA care team may contact you with any concerns before proceeding with treatment. Otherwise, the VCA care team will move forward with cleaning.
Recovery after your cat’s first dental cleaning
If your young cat didn’t need any extractions, they will usually recover quite quickly from their dental cleaning. They may be a little tired and have a decreased appetite for a day after the procedure. This is a normal effect of anesthesia.
If your cat did have teeth removed, they’re likely to have sutures in their mouth. Your VCA care team will give you instructions regarding what they can eat and how to protect your cat’s oral surgery site. Make sure to follow any post-operative instructions given to you.
How else can I support my young cat’s oral health?
Prevention of dental disease now is better than treatment later. Over half of cats (up to 90% by some estimates) will develop periodontal disease by 4 years of age, which is a painful condition that involves inflammation of the tissues around the tooth. With regular dental cleanings, you can prevent significant periodontal disease from occurring. In some cases, these cleanings can save your cat’s teeth!
The best thing you can do at home is brush your cat’s teeth with pet-friendly toothpaste. Ideally, you’d brush their teeth at least once daily, but you should aim for at least 3 times weekly at a minimum. For cats who don’t tolerate getting their teeth brushed, other at-home dental care can include using dental treats, dental water additives, dental wipes and dental diets. For products proven to be effective, look for the seal of the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
Speak with your VCA care team if you have questions about dental cleanings or would like to get your pet scheduled for their first full cleaning. You can add dental cleanings to your CareClub® membership plan, which will help distribute the cost over the course of the year.
Enroll today.
CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance. CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.
