You should introduce a teeth-cleaning routine to your kitten around 7–9 months. If you don’t follow this advice your kitty could be one of the 70 percent of cats that have oral disease by three-years old.
Why Dry Food Won’t Clean Her Teeth
Just like dogs’ teeth, your kitten’s pearly whites benefit from consistent brushing. You may think it’s enough to feed her hard food and tartar-control treats, but this isn’t sufficient. For starters, you kitten may get tooth resorption, periodontal disease, or another serious dental problem. Or the bacteria from tartar can infect her gums; and once toxins then spread to her liver, kidneys, or heart, she could even die.
What You Need
- A pet toothbrush, possibly soaked in tuna juice; a special brush that slips over your index finger; or gauze wrapped around your finger
- Cat toothpaste that uses non-alcohol ingredients, which cats don’t like (they even sell fish-flavored brands)
- A nail clipper (so you don’t get scratched while you’re brushing!)
How to Brush Your Kitten’s Teeth
- The first couple of times use your finger. Just spread a little toothpaste on her front teeth and gums.
- After a couple days, introduce the brush.
- Start with just one tooth, brushing for 30 seconds on the front side near the gumline. (Your kitten probably won’t allow you to access the insides right away.)
- Gradually increase the number of teeth you brush, adding a tooth or two every day.
- Your eventual goal is to brush both sides of every tooth, for a minute in total on each, every day. At the very least, you should do it twice weekly.
- End each brushing with a reward treat.
Other Pieces of Your Kitten’s Dental Care
- Annual veterinary dental exams. Your vet will check for plaque, calculus, and signs of gingivitis.
- Monthly home examinations. Smell her breath, look for yellowing or cracked teeth, and check for inflamed gums or redness on her tongue.
- Flossing with rope chew toys.
Signs of Cat Dental Problems
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty eating
- Discolored teeth
- Difficulty self-grooming
- Pawing at her face or mouth
Any of these signs could indicate a serious problem. If you notice bleeding gums, your kitten will likely need professional dental scaling to remove it. Brush regularly and properly and you should be in the clear!
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