Brushing teeth?

[Tim]

My vet suggested I start brushing my cats' teeth and gave me a brochure on it. I've had a few cats in my life and never did this. I really don't have the time to do this, and when I was checking out both their teeth now, they gave me a ton of trouble just looking at them, much less trying to brush them. They are both 8 years old. What is the consensus here - do most people brush them? Thanks.

[Traci]

The consensus is probably no, simply because it is not a convenience for owners to do so. But, it sure is an excellent preventative measure for good oral health in the future. Ideally, starting when they are young (kittens) is the best approach, but any other time in the life stages is a good time.

Rather than use a brush, consider a toothbrush mitt, these are small mitts you place on one finger to use to gently massage kitty's teeth and gums. When you're cuddling, bonding, etc, is a good time to try this method. Don't expect them to like it at first, but if you are persistent and go slowly, they might get used to it.

[Tim]

Thanks, Traci! Do you just ask for a toothbrush mitt at the pet store and they'll know what I am talking about?

[Traci]

Should be able to, yes...or ask for a finger-mitt toothbrush.

Just a word of caution, I wouldn't use a finger-mitt for a cat who bites when agitated or uncomfortable, keep a kitty toothbrush on hand for that reason. (your vet has these at his clinic, including the pet toothpaste)

Another word of caution, please only use products recommended by your vet (i.e., Nolvadent or Petrodex). I see there's an "all-natural" product out now that actually contains tea tree oil, which is toxic to cats.....ughhh.

[Tim]

Thanks again, Traci!!!

[Tim]

I was reading a little more on the Net about this (since I am so pressed for time and know that my cats are really going to put up a fight with this). I see one place that recommends Science Diet Oral Care as an alternative. Does anybody have any experience with that? It's probably not as good as brushing, but does it come close?

[Traci]

It can help reduce accumulating plaque/tarter, but may not necessarily reduce what plaque is already present. (I like to recommend the SD oral care for treats at least)

What was your vet's assessment regarding both cats' teeth? Do they have inflammed gums, diseased teeth or excessive plaque/tarter? Because the cats are 8 years of age, and depending on the extent of plaque, they might benefit from a dental/cleaning, in which then you can help prevent this in the future by using the toothbrush or mitts....even pet oral rinses can help keep bacteria at bay. But, if he suggested a dental and/or cleaning, please get a presurgical blood screen (and/or ECG to monitor heart function prior to anesthesia) done on each cat before proceeding.

The keys to good oral care include good diet, yearly exams to monitor oral health (or more frequently if problems are evident or any primary health condition is present)....and if the owner can do it, brushing the teeth...if not, then a dental/cleaning at the vet's would be the alternative.

[Tim]

Well, last year when I brought them in, she talked a little bit about the teeth cleaning and them having to under anesthesia, etc. She said one of the two was a bit of the concern and the other one really isn't a concern yet. She gave me a brochure about it, which was pretty informative as to the oral problems leading to more life-threatening situations.

Then this year, it was pretty much the same story with the same cats having the same asseessment. But, she really didn't seem too concerned about it. However, this is the first year she mentioned the brushing, which I had never heard of, and at first mention, I thought sounded ridiculous! Now, after a little research and your help, it seems like it is a very wise thing to do. However, I'm still fighting the idea, since I have so much on my plate and these cats will give me such a fight.

If I could get 80% of the benefit from Oral Care food, that might be all I can do at this point. In the supermarket yesterday, I saw that Purina or somebody had an Oral Care, but I think that I'll go to the pet store to get Science Diet, since that's what the brand they eat already.l

What is the pet oral rinse? How effective is that? Do you just put it in their water?

Thanks!

[Traci]

Oral rinses are used directly or via use of gauze or pads to rub or clean kitty's teeth, gums. These rinses should only be used to keep bacteria at bay. It is the brushing that helps to control plaque and tarter.

[Tim]

Thanks again for all of your help, Traci!!!