Mar 14, 2025
Oral health plays a crucial role in the well-being of humans and cats alike. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums prevents dental diseases and improves overall quality of life.
While we pay some attention to our oral health, we may not be able to say the same for our cats. We don’t need to wait for symptoms of poor dental care to show before going to the dentist. In the same way, it’s better to bring our cats to a vet clinic for routine checkups and preventive care.
In this guide, we will share practical tips from dentists and veterinarians on how to improve oral health for you and your cat.
Tips for Your Oral Health
1. Always Brush Before Bed at Night
We all know that brushing twice is the generally recommended oral hygiene practice. While many of us are disciplined with brushing in the morning, we continue to neglect it at night. Brushing at night is essential to get rid of any germs and plaque that can accumulate throughout the day.
2. Brush Properly
How you brush is as equally important as brushing twice a day. Not following the right techniques to thoroughly brush your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Ensure that you move the brush in gentle circular motions to remove plaque. Also, take the time to reach all the areas of your teeth. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).
3. Brush Your Tongue
Your tongue is part of your oral health. Plaque can also build up in your tongue, causing oral issues and foul odour. Make it a habit to brush your tongue last every time you brush your teeth.
4. Use A Fluoride-based Toothpaste
The type of toothpaste plays a key role in maintaining oral health. There are more important elements you need to be mindful of when choosing a toothpaste than just flavours and whitening strengths. Ensure that fluoride is one of the main ingredients. Fluoride works by fighting against the germs in your mouth that can cause decay and by providing a protective layer for the teeth.
5. Remember to Floss
Oral hygiene is not restricted to brushing alone. Flossing is as important as brushing because it reaches the areas where a standard toothbrush cannot, helping get rid of food bits stuck in between your teeth. Flossing is also a great way to stimulate gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the teeth area.
Unlike brushing, you just have to floss once a day to reap their benefits. Today, there are many tools that make flossing easier. Read-to-use flossers, which are easily available at drugstores and pharmacies, are a great option to consider.
6. Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash helps in three ways: (1) reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, (2) cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and (3) re-mineralizes the teeth. Essentially, mouthwash helps rebalance your mouth. You can ask your dentist for mouthwash recommendations. Some brands offer special formulas for children and those with sensitive teeth. You can also opt for prescription mouthwash from your dentist.
7. Drink More Water
Water has always been the best beverage for overall health, and it is no different to maintain oral health. As a rule of thumb, it is recommended that you drink water after every meal to improve your dental health. It helps wash out residues or bits of sticky and acidic foods and beverages.
8. Eat High-Fibre Fruits and Vegetables
Incorporating fruits and vegetables that are rich in fibre and/ or crunchy into your diet can be greatly beneficial to oral health. They help clean teeth by scrubbing away plaque, boosting saliva to neutralize acids, and supporting gum health with nutrients like vitamin C.
Some good options to consider are:
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9. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods
Sugar converts to acid in your mouth, which can erode the enamel of your teeth. It's these acids that cause cavities. Consuming too much of acidic fruits, teas, and coffees can also weaken your enamel, making it more sensitive. You don’t have to eliminate sugary and acidic foods from your diet altogether. Just enjoy them in moderation.
10. See Your Dentist at Least Twice a Year
Your everyday habits are crucial to maintaining your oral health, but even the most religious brushers and flossers need dental checkups. The general recommendation is to see your dentist at least twice a year (once every 6 months). If you are someone prone to dental issues, then consider regular checkups every 3-4 months.
Visiting your dentist not only helps with removing calculus, gingivitis, and cavities, but they can also spot the early onset of oral health issues and offer effective dental treatments. This prevents you from developing complicated oral issues, which, if persisted, can affect your overall well-being.
Tips For Your Cat’s Oral Health
1. Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
Just like how important it is for you to brush your teeth, you need to practice the same with your cat. Daily tooth brushing helps to remove plaque buildup and slows periodontal diseases in your cat.
It takes a lot of time and patience to familiarise your cat with regular teeth brushing, but it is essential for their dental health. Many cats do well with finger toothbrushes, though it's a good idea to explore other options and see what works best for your furry friend.
Here are steps to brush cat teeth properly:
Start by letting your them lick cat-safe toothpaste off your finger or toothbrush.
Always use a small and soft-bristle toothbrush to fit and easily glide in their mouth.
Train and let them get used to the motions of teeth brushing in their mouth
Once they start accepting the brush, lift the lip to reach the big canine first.
Brush three strokes back and forth, and maintain a 45-degree angle at the gumline
If you feel the bristles are bending while you brush, reduce pressure.
Lift the lips farther back to reach the premolars and molars.
Your cat being amenable to just the front teeth being brushed is a good starting point. You can also try brushing your cat’s teeth at night or when they are calm to make it less stressful.
2. Don’t Ignore Bad Breath
Smelling bad breath from your cat is a strong sign that harmful bacteria outnumbers the good bacteria in the mouth. This can cause an imbalance in their oral cavity, pointing to underlying issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, tooth decay, or another health problem that needs attention.
If your cat’s breath has worsened, ask your veterinarian for a thorough dental evaluation. Addressing bad breath early on can help identify any early onset of oral concerns and treat them. This is especially true to diagnose and stop the progression of periodontal disease, which is harder to treat the more severe it becomes.
3. Ask Your Vet About Dental Diets
One of the best ways to keep your cat’s teeth healthy is by getting them into a nutritious dental diet. Feed your cat food rich in antioxidants and other ingredients that support your their overall health. You can also try incorporating other at-home dental care items, including water additives or supplements formulated to be tasty for cats.
4. Give Your Cat Dental Treats
Giving your cat a treat that can clean teeth is another effective way to maintain their oral health. Opt for crunchy treats that can help scrub your cat’s teeth when chewing.
5. Let Your Cat Play With Dental Toys
Toys are another effective way to enrich your cat’s dental health at home. There are many cat dental toys that can be included as part of a healthy mouth routine. Dental toys can help your cat clean its teeth as they chew or gnaw them.
6. Take Your Cat to Annual Checkups
Regardless of how you help your cat practice and be disciplined with oral hygiene, annual checkups at a reliable veterinary clinic should not be ignored. Only your veterinarian can look for early signs of irritated gums, gum recession, bad breath, loose teeth, and missing teeth to address them before they develop into severe conditions.
As cats are predators, they don’t really show any changes to their eating or behaviors until they advance or progress, causing severe pain. This is why your veterinarians will check your cat’s mouth at every visit.
Based on the exam, your vet will recommend the most suitable dental care, which may include a professional cleaning under anesthesia. Generally, it is recommended that cats have their first cleaning by the time they’re 2 years old.
Oral Health Starts at Home
Taking care of your cat’s teeth is just as important as caring for your own. Building simple routines like regular brushing, offering dental-friendly treats, and scheduling professional cleaning at a reliable dental clinic protects both your health and your cat’s dental health.
A few mindful steps at home can make a lasting difference in preventing dental issues and supporting overall well-being. In the long run, these habits can also help reduce costly treatments and keep you and your cat comfortable and healthy.
