Professional Cat Dental Care Services
As cat owners, we want to ensure that our cats are healthy and happy. While we may take our cats for regular check-ups and vaccinations, one aspect of their health that often gets overlooked is their dental care. Just like humans, cats can develop dental problems that can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to find reliable cat dental services in Annapolis, MD to keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy, and we are here to help!
Dental Examinations & Cleanings
At Annapolis Cat Hospital, we work to prevent dental disease with routine dental exams and dental cleanings. During your cat’s regular wellness exam, your veterinarian will examine the teeth and gums for signs of dental diseases, including:
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown teeth
- Inflamed gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Mouth pain or bleeding
- Tartar and calculus build up
- Gingivitis
- Fractured teeth
- Abscesses
- Damage to enamel
- Tumors or excessive gingival tissue
- Correct bite
If we notice these signs, we may recommend a professional dental cleaning. Dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia so that your veterinarian can thoroughly clean under the gumline, where most plaque and tartar hide.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Annapolis Cat Hospital recommends regular dental cleanings to help keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy. These cleanings help your veterinarian assess your cat’s overall oral health and prevent tartar buildup, gum disease, and infection. The frequency of cleanings depends on your individual cat’s breed and oral health. Dental cleanings are always performed under general anesthesia to allow your veterinarian to clean under the gum line, where most harmful plaque and tartar hide.
Anesthesia allows our veterinarians to examine the full 360 degrees around each tooth and clean thoroughly beneath the gumline. We also take full dental radiographs on every patient to evaluate the tooth roots and bone that lie hidden below the gumline — the area where most painful dental disease begins.
At-Home Dental Care
Taking care of your cat’s teeth between visits is the best way to promote a healthy mouth. Ideally, a cat’s teeth should be brushed every day with a cat-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste, but even brushing once or twice a week is beneficial!
Many cats are resistant to brushing, but there are a few tricks you can use to help your cat grow accustomed to it. First, give your cat a small sample of the toothpaste to introduce the taste. When brushing, use gentle motions. Afterwards, reward your cat with playtime, affection, or a healthy treat to positively reinforce the brushing process.
If your cat does not accept brushing, there are dental diets, chews, treats, and toys that can help break down plaque and tartar between visits. Ask your veterinarian to help you choose the best products for your pet, or visit this link to explore products that carry the VOHC Seal of approval.
