How to Clean Your Cat’s Teeth and Why It’s Important
Key takeaways:
Cats can develop dental issues like gum disease and tooth loss, which can affect their overall health.
Brushing your cat’s teeth at home can help keep them healthy.
Your veterinarian will check your cat’s dental health during routine checkups and may recommend professional cleanings.
Table of contents
Just as people need to brush their teeth and see the dentist regularly, so do cats. Does that mean you should brush your cat’s teeth? The answer is yes, if possible.
Cleaning your cat’s teeth at home — we’ll give you some steps to follow — can help prevent dental disease. Along with checkups and professional teeth cleanings by your veterinarian, this can help protect your cat’s teeth, gums, and overall health.
How to clean your cat’s teeth
Before you clean your cat’s teeth, you’ll need the right toothpaste and toothbrush. Jamie Richardson, a veterinarian and the chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary, said you should use only toothpaste designed for cats. Human toothpaste is toxic for cats. You can buy pet toothbrushes or finger brushes from pet stores. A human baby toothbrush works well too.
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Richardson recommends these steps for brushing your cat’s teeth:
Let your cat taste a small amount of the toothpaste, then put a little toothpaste on your finger.
Use your finger as a brush, and gently rub the toothpaste onto your cat’s teeth and gums. It may take your cat up to a month to get used to your finger.
When your cat is comfortable, start using a piece of gauze and a small amount of toothpaste to get them used to that rubbing sensation.
Once your cat is comfortable with gauze, try a toothbrush. Avoid forcing your cat’s mouth open. Instead, gently lift up your cat’s lip so you can access their teeth.
Brush using slow, gentle strokes in a circular motion. Start with a few strokes at a time, then stop and praise your cat. Repeat the process. Focus on the outsides of your cat’s teeth, since this is where the most tartar builds up.
As you clean your cat’s teeth, stop if your cat shows any signs of anxiety. In the beginning, you might be able to brush only one or a few teeth at a time. That’s OK.
If your cat won’t tolerate teeth brushing, try gauze. Wipe the gauze over your cat’s teeth 2 or 3 times a week. This can still help remove plaque and bacteria.
It’s best to introduce teeth brushing when your cat is young. Even adult cats can learn to have their teeth brushed, though. But you’ll need to be patient as your cat gets used to the experience.
Although many cats can learn to have their teeth brushed, some never get used to it. Regular checkups and cleanings with your veterinarian can help protect your cat’s dental health.
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How often should you clean your cat’s teeth?
To minimize plaque and tartar, Richardson recommends brushing your cat’s teeth at home daily. “However, just like any new activity, teeth brushing requires patience and training,” she said. “You may need to work up to daily brushing.”
In addition to toothbrushing at home, your cat will need periodic veterinary dental cleanings. Veterinary cleanings are performed at a clinic or hospital while your cat is asleep under anesthesia. They provide a more thorough cleaning than what you can do at home.
Do cat teeth-cleaning toys and treats work?
You may have seen dental treats, foods, and supplements for sale. Many companies say their products can help your cat’s dental health. But do a little research before you buy. Richardson said that many claims about dental products aren’t scientifically proven.
Check the Veterinary Oral Health Council for a list of products that can help your cat’s dental health. Your vet can also help you choose the right product for your cat. Some of the products on the list are:
Special types of cat food
Supplements you can add to your cat’s water
Dental treats
Oral gels and sprays
Use dental products in addition to daily tooth brushing and dental health checks with your vet.
How often should you see your vet for a professional cat teeth cleaning?
Dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning are also important for your cat. It’s best for cats to have a dental checkup at least once a year.
During that checkup, your vet will carefully examine your cat’s teeth. They will look for any emerging dental issues. They may also recommend a professional teeth cleaning.
How often your cat may need their teeth cleaned professionally depends on several factors, including:
Age
Genetics
Diet
Lifestyle
Other health conditions
It’s often easier to treat dental issues early on, so keep up with your cat’s yearly health and dental checks.
How much does cat teeth cleaning cost?
For a routine cat teeth cleaning, the cost is typically $50 to $300, but it could cost as much as $400. According to Richardson, the cost of your cat’s teeth cleaning can vary considerably. Cost will depend on many factors, like:
The severity of your cat’s dental disease
Whether any teeth need to be removed
Your cat’s overall age, weight, and health
The type of anesthesia needed to keep your cat asleep during the procedure
Where you live
Cleaning the teeth also requires general anesthesia, so check with your veterinarian about the total cost. If your cat needs additional treatment for a dental disease, it can cost much more. Ask your vet ahead of time what you can expect.
“Teeth cleanings can easily reach several thousands of dollars,” Richardson said. “We recommend getting an estimate from your veterinarian to take into account your cat’s specific circumstances. You should also budget for a preoperative exam to ensure your cat is healthy and ready to undergo anesthesia.”
Why cat dental care is important
Caring for your cat’s teeth — including teeth cleaning and dental care — can help prevent many serious health issues. Richardson said that dental health affects your cat’s overall health in many ways.
For example, plaque and tartar buildup on a cat’s teeth and underneath gums can lead to gum disease and gingivitis. It can also cause:
Pain and discomfort
Swelling and inflammation
Infections
Tooth decay
Tooth or bone loss
In some cases, plaque and bacteria can work their way into your pet’s bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, plaque and bacteria can affect your cat’s organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Up to 90% of cats over 4 years old will experience dental disease in their teeth or gums. Good dental care can help prevent many of these issues.
The bottom line
Caring for your cat’s teeth is an important part of caring for their overall health. By regularly cleaning your cat’s teeth at home, you can help prevent gum disease and tooth problems. And don’t forget to schedule your cat’s yearly veterinarian checkups. Your vet can monitor your cat’s dental health and recommend professional teeth cleaning as needed.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Pet dental care.
Batiari, L. (n.d.). How much does a cat dental cleaning cost? Pawlicy Advisor.
Blakley, B. R. (2020). Fluoride poisoning. Merck Veterinary Manual.
CareCredit. (2021). Cat and dog teeth cleaning cost and financing.
Cornell Feline Health Center. (2017). Feline dental disease. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Veterinary Oral Health Council. (2023). VOHC accepted products for cats.
