2024-01-20 17:38:16
If owners have questions regarding which toothbrush they should use, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
Photo: Pixabay
Just like people, felines need to receive daily dental care to reduce plaque formation and prevent tartar buildup. Teaching felines to accept having their teeth brushed will require training, but will be relatively simple once they become accustomed to the procedure. Daily brushing is the most beneficial option and will help establish a routine. Therefore, it is recommended to brush your cat at least three times a week, to help remove plaque and prevent the build-up of tartar.
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Likewise, it is advisable to use brushes with angled handles or small brushes that fit quickly in the hand. In fact, sometimes it is valid to use fairly soft toothbrushes designed for human babies.
If owners have questions regarding which toothbrush they should use, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. Regardless of the type of toothbrush that is selected, it is essential that owners be gentle and proceed slowly, as there is a chance that the tip of the brush may accidentally rub once morest the gums and cause irritation.
As explained by the Banfield Veterinary Hospital, of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the following tips must be taken into account to facilitate the cat’s dental process:
• It is necessary to choose a comfortable place, such as the owner’s lap or a cat’s preferred resting area, so that it can sit comfortably during the tooth brushing session.
• You should opt for a toothbrush designed specifically for cats.
• Human toothpaste should never be used. Instead, use a toothpaste formulated for pets that has a flavor appealing to felines.
• The flavor of the toothpaste should be introduced to the feline by offering it a small sample.
• The lip should be gently lifted to expose the gum and tooth surfaces.
• Brushing should be done with delicate movements to clean the teeth and gums, following a technique similar to that which would be used to brush a person’s teeth.
• Focus on cleaning the external surfaces (in contact with the cheek), since most pets may be more resistant to having the inside of their teeth brushed.
• Owners should not forget to reach the posterior maxillary teeth and canines, as these teeth tend to accumulate dental tartar quickly.
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If a feline has bad breath, it is crucial to take it to the vet, as halitosis might be an indicator of a serious illness. Consulting with an expert is essential to carry out a detailed examination of the feline’s teeth and mouth, ruling out and preventing possible problems.
Michel Cardona, veterinary doctor and Technical Development and Learning Manager at Gabrica, highlights that the main cause of bad breath in cats is related to dental hygiene. Cardona explains that lack of brushing following consuming food allows food particles to accumulate in the mouth, where normal bacteria adhere and begin to break down. In addition, saliva contains minerals that, when in contact with bacterial plaque and food remains, form stones.
The accumulation of tartar, which over time hardens and forms dental plaque, is avoidable through good oral hygiene. Plaque, if not controlled, can cause inflammation and pain in the animal’s gums. Cardona emphasizes the importance of checking the cat’s teeth daily, since problems such as tooth or jaw bone fractures can also cause bad breath.
The veterinarian points out that other causes of bad breath can include masses or cancer, affecting different parts of the body, such as the nose, mouth and stomach of the feline. In addition, he mentions that kidney problems, such as azotemia, related to increased levels of urea in the blood, can cause uremic breath.
Feline diabetes, known as diabetes mellitus, is another possible cause of bad breath, especially in older and overweight cats. Cardona highlights that diabetes mellitus can generate a characteristic “green apple” breath, due to the incorrect breakdown of sugar.
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The type of diet can also influence the cat’s breath. Inadequate intake of homemade or dry food, as well as lack of water consumption, which affects salivation, are factors that can contribute to bad breath, by allowing bacteria to remain longer in the feline’s oral cavity.
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