How to keep your cat’s teeth healthy

Just like humans, cats need good dental hygiene. Cat’s mouths and teeth are susceptible to issues, as are their jaws and gums. Some common dental problems include gum disease, broken teeth, Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions (FORL), infections, and injuries.

Unfortunately, cat dental care is often overlooked, as owners rarely know if their cat has any issues. Cats are stoic animals and are good at hiding pain, so your cat may be drinking and eating normally but suffering from dental problems. If left untreated, issues such as dental disease can cause great discomfort for cats.

Just like dealing with cat fleas and worms, maintaining good oral health is important for ensuring your cat has a good, healthy quality of life.

Here is a comprehensive guide on cat dental care, where we will be discussing how to care for a cat's teeth. Care for your cat’s oral health with our cat dental cleaning tips as we show you how to clean your cat's teeth safely.

How many teeth do cats have?

Cats, like humans, are born without any teeth. When they reach around two to three weeks old, 26 baby/milk (deciduous) teeth start to pop through their gums, before starting to fall out at around four months old. By the time a kitten reaches six to eight months of age, they typically has a full set of 30 adult teeth.

A cat’s teeth are crucial to their carnivorous lifestyle, having evolved to help them hunt and eat prey. Their teeth are also important for self-defence and grooming. For instance, a cat’s incisors, the front row of tiny teeth at the front of their mouth, are not much use for hunting, but are perfect for grooming fur and picking up objects and prey. Their larger, sharper canine teeth, resembling fangs, are used for catching, holding, and killing prey.

Cats can’t chew side to side, as they can only move their jaws up and down. Therefore, their teeth are designed uniquely. Further back in their mouths, cats possess eight sharp, serrated premolar teeth, used to cut up food into chunks, allowing them to swallow pieces whole. There are also four molars that can be used to break down food before swallowing it.

Why cat teeth cleaning is important

Poor dental hygiene can lead to a range of problems for cat's teeth and gums. A buildup of plaque that hardens and becomes tartar commonly results in dental issues. When tartar is not removed, it can lead to a painful condition where the gums become inflamed, known as gingivitis. If this is left untreated, it will progress, and the cat will develop periodontal disease (gum disease).

Neglecting cat dental care can cause cats to lose teeth and become prone to infections. In some cases, these oral infections can affect certain organs in the body, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Over time, this may result in irreversible damage or systemic diseases.

Cats may also stop eating due to discomfort in their mouths, leading to a range of health complications and tummy troubles. Moreover, if your cat is in pain or uncomfortable, they are less likely to be active, meaning you won’t be getting the most out of your playtime together!

If you’re concerned that your cat has dental or oral issues, consult with a veterinarian.

How to keep your cat’s teeth clean?

Learning how to clean a cat's teeth may sound daunting, but there are steps you can take, and no, you won’t always need to use a toothbrush! Like us, cat teeth should be cleaned in some way every day to remove any buildup of plaque that may be stuck. Without a daily oral care regimen, this plaque may harden and form tartar in just a few days.

One method is to feed your cat a combination of dry and wet food. There is a range of flavours and textures available, as well as specially-made dental kibble and treats, ensuring your cat enjoys the food and receives vital dental cleaning. Win-win!

Adding in dry cat food like kibble helps form abrasions on the surfaces of your cat’s teeth, wiping away plaque and leaving a cleaner, healthier tooth. By fully understanding cat behaviour, you can make cat dental cleaning a positive experience for both you and your furball.

How to know your cat needs a dental clean?

There are some tell-tale signs to look out for that indicate your cat may need a dental clean. These are:

• Bad breath (halitosis) - If you notice your cat has persistent bad breath, they may be suffering from some underlying dental issue.
• Redness and/or inflammation of the gums - You can check your cat’s mouth by lifting their lip and inspecting their gums. If this is difficult, contact your vet. Normal, healthy gums should be pink. If the gums appear to be swollen and/or red where the tooth protrudes, they may need dental treatment.
• Salivating and drooling - Unlike many dogs, excessive drooling is not normal for cats. Salivating around the mouth may be a sign of deeper oral problems.
• Changes in their eating behaviour - Various dental issues can be uncomfortable and painful for cats, which may lead them to change their eating habits. For instance, if they seem reluctant to eat, spit food out, hold their heads to one side whilst chewing, or refuse to eat dry food, they may have issues like gingivitis or periodontitis.
• Resistance to playing - In some cases, cats will be less active and move away from having their head stroked due to pain in their mouths.
• Rubbing their head or jaw - Cats suffering oral discomfort will sometimes rub their head or jaw on furniture or against their owner.

Brushing your cat's teeth: step by step guide

Tooth-brushing can be highly effective for cat dental cleaning, particularly when managing plaque and tartar buildup. Before brushing, you will need:

• Either a small child’s toothbrush or a cat toothbrush
• Cat toothpaste  

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean cats teeth effectively and safely.

Introduce the taste gradually

To get your cat used to the taste of the toothpaste, dab a little on their nose or lips so they can lick it off. Repeat this every day for three to four days.

Position your cat properly

You will need to get your cat used to sitting in the right position for you to brush their teeth. Start by sitting your cat at a suitable height on a sturdy surface. Stand or sit behind them and let them face away from you, using your body to stop them from moving away.

Lean over your cat and gently press your forearms on their sides to prevent them from wriggling too much.

Carefully lift your cat’s lips

It is unlikely your cat will allow you to lift their lips easily, so this may take some practice! Start by placing your free hand gently on their chest to hold them in position. Use your other hand to move your cat’s upper and lower lips.

Use a cotton bud before using a toothbrush

Before using a toothbrush, you can try with a cotton bud by placing a little toothpaste on the tip. Move this between and under your cat’s lips, gently against their teeth without having to open their mouth.

Brush in a circular motion for a few seconds, starting with their back teeth. Then, let go of your cat. You can slowly increase the brushing time up to a minute before moving on to use a toothbrush. Brush their teeth gently, focusing on where the tooth meets the gum where plaque typically builds up.

Establishing a routine, like cat teeth cleaning, is essential for maintaining your cat’s overall health and well-being.

Whiskas DentaBites - Helping look after your cat’s teeth

Whiskas DentaBites are a scientifically proven daily dental product for cats, endorsed by the British Veterinary Dental Association. With their special formulation and expanded texture, Dentabites help reduce tartar buildup when fed daily to your cat.

Cat teeth and dental care - Summary

Cat teeth need to be cared for just like human teeth. Without adequate cat dental care, your pet’s teeth and gums may start to suffer as plaque and tartar build up. This can lead to health issues such as gingivitis, gum disease, and infections.

It’s important to look out for any signs that indicate your cat has oral problems like bad breath, excessive drooling, and a change in eating habits. If so, it’s not too late to help them! By starting a cat teeth cleaning regimen, you can help prevent dental diseases and support your furry friend’s overall well-being.

Cat dental cleaning may seem like an impossible task, particularly with some stubborn cats, but with practice and patience, you can turn it into part of your routine alongside cat grooming, helping protect their long-term health.

If you’re still worried about how to clean your cat's teeth, revisit our steps above, or visit your veterinarian for professional dental cleaning tailored to your cat’s needs.

Commonly asked questions about cat dental care

Is it normal for a cat's fang to fall out?

It is not normal for a cat’s fangs to fall out. Cats can lose teeth for several reasons, including dental disease, trauma, or injury. If one of your cat's four canine (fang) teeth is missing, consult with a veterinarian for a detailed assessment.

Why do cats have such tiny front teeth?

Cats have tiny front teeth called incisors to help them groom, nibble small pieces of food, and attend to itchy areas of their body. The small teeth are called incisors and grow at the very front of your cat’s mouth, between their two larger canine teeth.

How often do cats' teeth need cleaning?

Cat teeth cleaning should be performed daily or at least twice a week. If brushing your cat’s teeth, just one or two minutes a day will make a positive difference to their oral health. Starting cat dental cleaning when they are young will make it easier to establish a regular habit throughout their life.