By the age of three, most will have some degree of dental disease, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). To combat dental disease dogs should receive their first dental cleaning by the age of two and cats by age one. From there, it is best to have your pet's teeth cleaned at least once per year.
While your cat is still young is the best time to begin establishing a regular tooth brushing routine however, it's a good idea to get the okay from your vet first. Even a sweet young kitten could have oral health issues that will need correcting before its teeth can be brushed.
By keeping up with your cat's dental cleanings from an early age and sticking to a routine with them, you can help your pet fight dental disease throughout their life. You may also help your cat reduce the risk of some types of oral cancer by having their teeth cleaned regularly, too.
Establishing a good dental maintenance routine for your cat from an early age is vital for their ongoing health and happiness. Not only will it prevent your cat from developing diseases like gingivitis, it will also keep their breath smelling fresh.
Myth #1: Cats don't need dental care. That's false. Cats need dental care as much as dogs and people do. Dental diseases are very common in cats, with the American Veterinary Dental Society reporting that 70 percent of cats have some form of dental disease by the time they're 3 years old.
A Speedy Recovery
Their owners often comment on how much “happier” their cats seem after a dental procedure. Some owners are worried about their cats losing teeth, but in reality cats can easily cope with no teeth at all.
Dental Scaling and Polishing
However sometimes under all that plaque lurks some unhealthy teeth that may need treatment or extraction. The prices for a scale and polish (including the items mentioned above) are: Cat or small dog $1,300 – $1,600. Medium to large dog $1,400 – $1,800.
It's never too early to start looking after your kitten's teeth. A regular brushing routine can help to prevent tooth decay and gum problems in the future.
A feline dental procedure frequently addresses years of problem development, not 6 months, and consequently more things often need to be done, leading to a higher cost.
Anesthesia-free dentistry is a service that is commonly offered at pet stores and grooming facilities. It involves scaling (scraping) the tartar from the teeth of a dog or cat that is awake, without the use of anesthesia.
Chewing promotes good oral health. The more cats chew, the more opportunity to mechanically scrub the plaque and tartar from their teeth. When used twice a day as part of a dental care routine, dental treats, such as FELINE GREENIES™ Treats can reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
Dental cleanings at a veterinarian's office
Anesthesia is quite safe for most cats, barring those with certain medical conditions like hyperthyroidism (which your vet will note).
It's ideal to begin home care when your pet is young however, it is never too late to start. There are many different methods to prevent dental disease and to assist with dental hygiene at home, some of which include: Regular brushing. Treats and chews.
Topical gels and oral rinses are viable options for reducing oral malodor and provide antiseptic action in the oral cavity and are typically used daily. Clenz-a-dent and Maxi/Guard are commonly recommended brands. A topical gel, such as HealthyMouth gel can also be used as a dentifrice in place of toothpaste.
A professional cat dental cleaning typically costs anywhere from $100 to $400 but could amount a thousand dollars or more depending on the state of your pet's oral health. For instance, your veterinarian may recommend tooth extractions during the procedure, which cost about $50 on average.
Based on your pet's health, your vet may recommend cat or dog teeth cleanings anywhere from every six months to every two years.
Daily brushing is most beneficial and will help to establish a routine. Brushing a minimum of 3 times a week is helpful if your schedule cannot accommodate daily brushing. "It is best to teach your cat to accept brushing while she is still a kitten."
Kittens teething – When kittens start to lose their baby teeth at around 4 months + of age and the adult ones are coming through, they do get very smelly breath. You do not need to worry about it as it will pass within a few weeks.
The reason kittens bite us is simple: they're natural predators and they want to practice their attack on a moving object. In fact, kittens are biologically wired to attack an object that moves, so it's important to teach them how to play with toys--not fingers or feet--from a young age.
Some signs that may indicate that your kitten has entered the teething stage include: Vocalizing more, from small to loud meows. Increased chewing, especially on soft items. Drooling.
A cat tooth extraction can cost an average of $50 to $130 per tooth, depending on where you live. This cost is often added on top of dental exams and cleanings, which run about $350 – $400. More severe cases can cost a few thousand dollars altogether, especially if you have to see a dental specialist.
Cost of Tooth Removal in Felines
While basic descaling of the teeth under general anesthesia costs $120+, this amount can rise significantly if extractions are necessary. It isn't uncommon for multiple or complex extractions to cost between $600 and $750, including dental X-rays.
Without insurance, the cost of a routine dental cleaning could range from $75 to $200, with an average cost of around $125. This amount may vary based on where you live or the experience and training of the dental professional.
Most pets recover from anesthesia 15 to 20 minutes after the procedure. They then rest comfortably in a cage for a few hours for continued monitoring and usually go home the same day. With proper precautions, dental anesthesia is safe as well as necessary.