How Do I Brush My Kitten’s Teeth?

Hi Dr. Barchas, I have a five-month-old kitten, and I want to clear his teeth right away. I heard you can wrap the gauze around your finger, dip it in baking soda and water, and you can clean their teeth this way. Is this safe Do you have recommendations that I should use for clean teeth and how often?

Mary
Oshawa, ON, Canada

Daily Meow | Brushing your cat's teeth is a very good idea, and you are wise to start early. Dental disease is the most common health problem I see in my patients, and brushing your pet's teeth is the best way to prevent it. In addition to bad breath and pain, dental disease dramatically shortens lifespan and sacrifices quality of life in affected animals. People who brush their pet teeth are very fond of their pets, and they save on expensive veterinary bills on the road.

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The purpose of brushing teeth in pets is to clean food and bacteria from the teeth, especially on the gums. Although a piece of gauze wrapped around a finger will help this process, I suggest using an animal toothbrush. These are available from veterinarians and from pet stores, and are available in different sizes and models. For cats, a fingertip brush often works best, but you can experiment to determine what is most effective for your and your pet.

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Toothpaste is optional in pets. The fluoride in human toothpaste helps prevent cavities in people. Cavities are not a serious concern in pets, and fluoride can make pets sick if they ingest it. If you want to use toothpaste, use only animal products. However, you can also use ordinary tap water. I would recommend against baking soda-it tastes awful, and your cat may feel bad if teeth are brushed if you use it.

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To brush your pet's teeth, she has to work together. Slowly brush your teeth in a circular way, focusing on the gumline. If your pet is struggling, try a softer approach and gradually brush. Be careful not to bite. If your pet fights are great, it may not be possible to brush his teeth.

The official recommendation is to brush your pet once a day. However, if that is not practical, brushing your teeth several times a week is much better than nothing.

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Finally, remember that although brushing your pet's teeth will have a very good impact on his health, but it does not guarantee that he will live a life free of dental problems. I brush and thread regularly, but now I still have to see the dentist.