From changing teeth to tartar to tooth fractures, cats can have a wide variety of dental problems.
From a veterinary point of view, cats' teeth should also be cleaned occasionally. At the very least, this could have a positive effect on the dental health of cats that are prone to heavy tartar build-up. Unfortunately, very few cats are happy to have their teeth brushed. As an owner, you are therefore well advised to make an early attempt to get your pet used to it.
Avoiding tartar in cats
Tartar is caused by plaque on the surface of the teeth. Bacteria adhering there form a gel-like layer. Minerals from the saliva are deposited in this layer. This results in hard yellowish deposits, especially on the outside of the molars. The consequences are irritation and inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa, bad breath, loosening and loss of teeth and reluctance to eat.
To prevent this, it is important to regularly remove the bacteria and their gel layer from the teeth. It is best to get your pet used to having its teeth brushed from an early age. To do this, use special toothpaste for animals or gruel. You can also wrap your index finger in some gauze or cloth and rub the teeth clean with it. Giving dry food and chew toys can also help to clean teeth. Just try out what works best for your pet.
Remove plaque
Dry food can mechanically clean teeth by removing plaque. Vitamin C also has an inhibitory effect on the bacteria and thus on the plaque they form. The mineral content of saliva, on the other hand, cannot be influenced by feeding. So if your cat is prone to increased tartar build-up, you should have its teeth regularly cleaned of plaque by a vet using ultrasound to keep teeth and gums healthy. The tooth surfaces are then beautifully smooth and can be better kept free of new tartar build-up through regular care.
Changing teeth in cats
Kittens have no teeth at birth. The first milk teeth erupt after three to four weeks. After the eighth week of life, the milk teeth are usually complete. The permanent teeth then begin to appear at three and a half months. This transition between milk teeth and permanent teeth is called the change of teeth and lasts a good two months. During this time, the animals often eat a little less and are generally more susceptible to illness. They can bleed easily from the mouth and smell unpleasant. Although cats do not have any other significant problems during the change of teeth, you should still check their teeth more frequently during this time.