The Importance of Cat Dental Care Near Me
Up to eight out of ten cats over the age of three suffer from dental problems. The culprit? Tartar buildup. As cats eat, bacteria, debris, and plaque accumulate on their teeth. Over time, this hardens into tartar, irritating gums and leading to gingivitis and potential tooth loss. In severe cases, the tartar becomes so extensive that it's irreversible, requiring tooth extraction to alleviate pain.
The pain and inflammation can make eating and drinking difficult for your feline friend. Additionally, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially harming vital organs like the kidneys. This progressive destruction of gums, teeth, and supporting structures, called periodontal disease, is the most common ailment in adult cats (and dogs). However, it’s preventable! To safeguard your cat's oral and overall health, a combination of regular home care and annual veterinary cat dental care near-me checkups are key.
Maintaining Your Cat’s Oral Health With Dental Care Near Me
Brushing your cat's teeth daily is the gold standard for maintaining their oral hygeine and imrpiove their overal dental care. Our team at Leadon Vale Vets can guide you in introducing this routine to your feline friend. Introducing this healthcare practice early on in life makes it easier for you to make teeth brushing a routine, and familiarise your cat with being handled around the mouth.
Similar to a dental hygienist visit for humans, scaling and polishing removes tartar buildup thoroughly. Since cats won't stay still for extended periods, and for the safety of both your cat and our team, these procedures are performed under a brief general anaesthetic.
Don't neglect the power of dental treats! Your vet can recommend specially formulated options that tackle plaque and tartar buildup, leaving your cat's breath minty fresh. These treats often go beyond just cleaning, containing beneficial ingredients like Vitamin E, selenium, taurine, and even antiseptics to fight mouth bacteria. It's a win-win for your cat's oral health and overall well-being!
Dental diets specially formulated by your vet can also play a role. Water additives are another option, but be mindful of taste – you don't want to discourage your cat from drinking! For more tips, read our blog or speak to our ‘cat dental car near me’ vets.
Signs of Poor Cat Dental Care
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Visible tartar build-up on teeth (brown colouration on the surface of teeth)
- Red or inflamed gums (gingivitis)
- Discoloured teeth
- Loose teeth
Signs of severe oral disease in cats
- Drooling
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Slowness or reluctance to eat
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Dropping food from the mouth when eating
- Swelling around the mouth
Kittens’ Dental Care Near Me
Don't be alarmed by mild gum inflammation and bad breath when your kitten's adult teeth come in. This temporary discomfort usually resolves quickly and doesn't affect their appetite. However, seek veterinary attention if your kitten's baby teeth don't fall out naturally, as these may need extraction.
Occasionally, adult teeth might grow too close together or a kitten might have extra teeth. These inherited conditions can contribute to periodontal disease later. If you notice any crowding or misalignment of teeth, consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Book an Appointment at Leadon Vale for Cat Dental Care Near Me
Book your cat or kittens in for dental and oral health checks with our experienced vets. We’ll address any concerns and advise you where needed. We are happy to answer all of your questions.
