According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 70 percent of cats show some sign of oral disease by age of three. Just like humans, cats can develop plaque and tartar build-up, which can lead to even deeper and more serious dental problems down the road. Unfortunately cats cannot brush their own teeth even if they wanted to, so it’s our responsibility as cat owners to be aware and take care of things. In honor of National Pet Dental Month this month, it’s our duty to spread awareness on the importance of your cat’s oral health. Also, knowledge is power and is of benefit to you and your cat that you know what to look for and how to handle certain situations when it comes to health matters.
Even if you see a veterinarian regularly, you should also do quick checks of your kitten’s pearly whites to make sure nothing could be a developing issue – just lift your cat’s lips to check up on their gum and teeth.
Here are some things you should check your cat for routinely:
-Foul smelling breath
-Missing teeth
-Drooling
-Discolored, broken or crooked teeth
-Growths in the mouth
-Swollen cheek(s)
-Red, swollen or bleeding gums
-Tartar crust or build up along the gum line
Be mindful also of how your cat is acting and what’s going on with their general behavior. If they are less willing to play than usual or if they start sleeping more, it’s a possibility that they have signs of advanced dental disease. Not only does it compromise your cat’s oral health, but it also affects its many health issues. Dental disease can cause damage other organs in the body, like the heart, kidney and liver. When this happens, cats have the ability to develop other problems due to the inflammation and infection that comes along with dental disease.
The best rule of thumb is to have regular checkups with your veterinarian, who can spot signs of health problems immediately and administer annual cleanings. In addition, you should also brush and care for your feline’s teeth for an even healthier assurance.
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