Benefits Of Investing In Your Cat's Dental Care
Posted on: 14 October 2016
You love your feline, and you want to make sure they are healthy and happy so they live a long, fruitful life. Your cat's oral health is part of what makes them thrive, and investing in dental care as soon as you can provides many benefits. Since 85% of cats over the age of 6 experience periodontal disease, or infected gums, it's important to take oral health and your pet seriously. Here are some of the perks of investing in your cat's dental care.
Less tooth loss
Many cats will lose one or more of their adult teeth either due to a fight, accident, or poor oral hygiene. In brushing your cat's teeth every day and taking them into the vet for regular teeth cleanings, you can be better able to prevent tooth loss by noticing loose or decaying teeth sooner and addressing problems before they become permanent. Clean and healthy gums provide a solid foundation where your feline's set of teeth can remain healthy and strong.
Healthier life
Cats who experience extreme dental issues, such as ulcers, swollen gums, and untreated gingivitis, show many signs of poor health, including:
- loss of appetite
- un-groomed appearance
- inability to eat
- drooling/bad breath
In some cases, poor oral health in cats is linked to dangerous diseases, such as feline leukemia, so if you notice any issues with your cat's mouth (even if they are just pawing at their face or their gums look slightly red), take them to a vet immediately for diagnosis and care. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination of your cat's mouth as well as blood drawing to test blood cell counts. Antibiotics or pain medicine can also be prescribed in addition to a cleaning to help your cat feel more comfortable. The sooner you can address poor oral hygiene in your cat, the healthier their life can become, and you can even potentially catch more serious illnesses before they become too difficult to treat.
You want your cat to live a long and healthy life, and the reality is any cat of any age or breed can become susceptible to tooth decay or gingivitis. If you take your cat in a few times a year to have their teeth cleaned (along with their regular checkup) you can help keep oral issues at bay. If you feel your cat is suffering from a bad tooth or infected gums, call your vet to talk about pet dental care right away so they can get proper treatment.
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