Where you and your pet are family
Where you and your pet are family
How many teeth do cats have?
Adult cats typically have 30 teeth, while kittens start out with 26 baby teeth. As they grow, those baby teeth will fall out to make way for the full set of adult teeth.
What kind of dental diseases do cats tend to get?
Cats can develop a wide range of dental issues, including broken, fractured, and abscessed teeth, as well as periodontal disease. The most common condition I encounter is tooth resorption—where the body essentially attacks the tooth, breaking it down and causing significant pain for the cat. I also frequently see oral masses, including growths and tumors, in feline mouths.
How do I keep my cat's teeth healthy?
Brushing your cat’s teeth daily is one of the most effective ways to maintain their oral health. I actually have a helpful video on how to do this, and you're welcome to check it out. Starting with a flavored toothpaste your cat enjoys and working slowly can help them become comfortable with the routine.
If tooth brushing isn’t an option, consider products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which include dental treats like Greenies, water additives, and other tools designed to support oral hygiene in cats and dogs. The VOHC website is a great resource for exploring these options.
Finally, regular professional cleanings under anesthesia are key. We take every step to minimize anesthesia risks and strongly believe the benefits outweigh them. Each cleaning includes full-mouth X-rays and a thorough scaling and polishing of all surfaces to keep the mouth as healthy as possible.
How can I tell if my cat has dental disease?
In many cases, cats show no obvious signs of dental disease. Their natural survival instinct makes them excellent at hiding pain or discomfort, especially in their mouths. That said, signs to watch for include redness or swelling of the gums, broken or loose teeth, oral masses, drooling, and difficulty eating—typically in more advanced stages. Unfortunately, most dental issues aren’t visibly obvious, which is why regular oral exams are essential to ensure your cat’s mouth stays healthy.
What are the benefits and risks of having my cat's teeth cleaned?
Professional dental cleanings offer significant benefits for cats. They allow us to closely examine the entire mouth, including full-mouth X-rays that reveal hidden disease beneath the gum line—issues cats can’t express or show clearly. Cleanings also let us remove buildup from below the gum line and other hard-to-see areas to help maintain optimal oral health.
We take careful steps to minimize anesthesia risks. Unlike surgeries like spays, neuters, or mass removals that require deeper anesthesia and involve pain management, dental cleanings are relatively painless procedures. Cats are kept still in a lighter plane of anesthesia, making the process safer and less invasive overall.
I just wanted to take a moment to talk about something I’m really passionate about - dentistry - and why it means so much to me. Maintaining your pet’s oral health isn’t just about fresh breath; it plays a huge role in their overall health and well-being. A healthy mouth can prevent unnecessary pain—especially the kind our pets can’t communicate—and has a big impact on their quality and length of life.
Proper dental care can include routine brushing at home, using products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, and periodic professional cleanings under anesthesia, including dental X-rays. These X-rays are incredibly valuable in helping us detect issues that aren’t visible on the surface—like hidden pain or damaged teeth—so we can intervene before the problem worsens.
Since our pets can’t tell us when something hurts, it’s our responsibility to look for signs of dental disease and take action. And when treatment or surgery is needed, we’re here to help. We’ve found that pets who receive regular dental care are not only more comfortable but tend to live longer, healthier lives.
Do I need to brush my pet's teeth?
Brushing your pet's teeth is essential for their overall health. It's the most effective way to prevent periodontal disease - a bacterial infection that affects the structures supporting the teeth. When these areas become infected, it can lead to loose, painful teeth and serious oral discomfort. By maintaining good dental hygiene, you’re helping ensure your pet stays happy, healthy, and pain-free.
How often do I need to brush my pet's teeth?
Brushing daily is key - even if it’s not the answer everyone wants to hear. Plaque starts forming constantly, and within just 24 hours, it can harden into tough, stubborn calculus. By brushing every day, you’re clearing away plaque before it has a chance to settle and harden, helping to maintain a cleaner, healthier mouth.
What supplies do I need to brush my pet's teeth?
To get started with brushing your pet’s teeth, you’ll need a few key supplies. First and foremost: a toothbrush that fits your pet’s mouth. For a cat, a baby or kids size toothbrush works well. It’s best to choose something inexpensive since pets often chew on the bristles, meaning you’ll likely need to replace it fairly often.
Many pet owners also prefer using a finger brush, or even just a soft washcloth, especially if that feels more comfortable for them and their pet.
You’ll also need a pet-specific toothpaste - never use human toothpaste, as it contains fluoride and other ingredients not meant to be swallowed. Pets will almost certainly try to swallow the toothpaste, so it’s important to use one that’s safe and appealing to them. For example, this CET brand poultry-flavored option tends to be a hit. The key is finding a flavor your pet enjoys to make brushing a more pleasant experience for both of you
How do I brush my pet's teeth?
Start by putting a bit of pet-safe toothpaste on the toothbrush and simply let your pet lick it off. This step helps create a positive association - they’ll start to enjoy the taste and get familiar with the toothbrush. Try doing this daily for a week or two, until your pet begins to look forward to “brush time” and may even remind you it’s time for their dental treat!
Once your pet is comfortable and excited about the toothbrush, begin by gently brushing the front incisors. Gradually, as they become more relaxed, you can slowly work your way further back along the teeth.
Take it at your pet’s pace - don’t force the process. If they show signs of discomfort, pause and slow things down to match their comfort level. And when you do start brushing more thoroughly, focus most of your effort on the cheek-facing sides of the teeth, since that’s where plaque and tartar build up the most - not the tongue side.
What are the signs of dental problems in my pet?
Bad breath and red gums are clear warning signs of dental trouble. Contrary to popular belief, your cat's breath shouldn’t be stinky - so if it is, it’s worth taking a closer look. Other red flags include swollen or bleeding gums, unusual growths or masses around the gum line, drooling, and difficulty chewing.
You might also notice subtle signs, like your pet chewing only on one side of their mouth or favoring one side when eating kibble. These behaviors can indicate mouth pain that needs attention.
Is a professional dental cleaning necessary?
Daily brushing is incredibly helpful, but it doesn’t always reach below the gum line where tartar can build up. That’s where professional dental cleanings at your veterinarian’s office come in. These cleanings include full-mouth X-rays, careful probing of the gum pockets, and thorough scaling and polishing - especially beneath the gum line - to remove tartar and help slow the progression of periodontal disease.
So even if you brush your cat’s teeth every day, it’s still a good idea to schedule regular professional cleanings under anesthesia for a truly deep clean and better long-term dental health.
What if I can't brush my pet's teeth?
Some pets simply won’t tolerate toothbrushing - and that’s perfectly okay. In those cases, there are approved alternatives that can still support oral health. For example, products like Greenies are backed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) and have been shown to help reduce tartar and bad breath.
I recommend checking the VOHC website for a full list of approved options. When shopping, look for the VOHC seal of approval on dental chews, treats, or other products - that’s your sign they’ve been tested for effectiveness. There are also water additives and other tools available to help manage plaque buildup.
That said, daily brushing remains the gold standard, especially for cleaning the canines and front incisors - areas that chews might not reach effectively. But any effort you can make toward your pet’s dental care is a step in the right direction!
If you have any further questions about how to brush your pet's teeth, feel free to contact us at Covington Veterinary Hospital.
Covington Veterinary Hospital
6104 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804, United States
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.
