Can Periodontal Disease be prevented ?
There are several ways to care for your cat’s teeth at home. • Regularly brushing your cat’s teeth. This will need to be done with a special ‘cat’ toothbrush & toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste on animals. • You can purchase special diets which are designed to reduce plaque & tartar formation. One such food is Hills T/D which can be purchased through your veterinarian. • Feed raw chicken necks or bones. This is a somewhat controversial topic. In Australia it is quite commonly recommended as a way to reduce plaque & tartar formation, however there are risks associated with feeding raw bones to cats. Speak to your veterinarian for his/her opinion on feeding raw chicken necks & or bones. • Make sure your cat sees a veterinarian once a year for a check up to stay on top of any possible health & dental problems. Related articles: Dental Care For Cats: Stomatitis in Cats: Gingivitis in Cats: Liver Disease: Kidney Disease: Feline Diabetes Please note: The medical articles on this site ha
Periodontal disease that is caused by plaque can be prevented by the regular daily removal of plaque. Home care and professional cleaning are needed. • Home Care will include: • Careful brushing at least twice a day. • Rinsing with special mouthwashes. Brush position • Regular and thorough use of dental floss or superfloss. Superfloss Dental tape Regular floss • Using interdental brushes which clean between the teeth. Interdental brushes Interdental brushing • Using end tuft brushes. End tuft brush • The use of plaque disclosing solution or tablets, which stain plaque and show where further brushing is needed. Stained plaque After brushing • Interdental tooth sticks. Tooth sticks Use of tooth sticks • Regular professional cleaning Professional cleaning by the dentist or hygienist is important for the prevention of periodontal disease.
