When To Take Your Cat To The Dentist
Cats need their teeth to chew food, pick up toys, and groom themselves. However, your feline's teeth will not maintain themselves. Cats need regular dental care. Daily toothbrushing can keep tartar and plaque at bay. However, there may come a time when your cat needs to visit a dentist. Here are five signs that your cat needs to take a trip to the cat dentist:
1. Your cat's teeth are dirty or damaged.
Healthy teeth should be smooth and free from stains, cracks, or chips. Take the time to carefully examine your cat's teeth every time you brush them. Take note of any dark spots, which could indicate cavities, and look for signs of damage. Bring up these concerns to your cat's dentist.
2. Your cat's gums look unhealthy.
Gum disease can cause tooth loss and severe pain. Gums can become infected or abscessed. Healthy gums should look pink and clean. Red or white gums can signify gum disease. Bleeding gums or gums that are swollen or hot to the touch can also be a cause for alarm. Keep track of any changes to the appearance of your cat's gums and take them to the cat dentist if necessary.
3. Your cat suddenly will not let you handle their mouth.
Many animals don't like having their mouths handled. However, you can get your cat used to it by brushing their teeth and handling their mouth from the time they're kittens. Checking your cat's mouth regularly can help you detect tooth or gum problems. If your cat ordinarily lets you handle their mouth but suddenly stops, pain may be the cause. Like all behavioral changes, it should be investigated with the help of a vet.
4. Your cat is not eating.
Cats need a balanced and healthy diet to be well. If your cat suddenly stops eating, you should take them to the vet to find out why. If no other health concerns are discovered, painful teeth or gums may be the cause.
5. Your cat has bad breath.
Your cat may have smelly breath directly after eating food with a strong aroma. However, day to day, your cat's mouth should not have a foul odor. Bad breath is caused by an abundance of bacteria. If your cat's persistent bad breath does not go away after toothbrushing, you should take them to the dentist. Chronic bad breath can indicate gum disease or a tooth infection. It's important that you resolve the issue before it starts causing your cat pain.
For more information, visit a cat dentist.
