Did you know that up to 70% of cats over three have some form of dental disease? At Vets on Balwyn, we understand how crucial cat dental health is for your feline friend’s overall well-being. Our complete cat dental services are designed to prevent, diagnose, and treat dental issues affecting your cat’s comfort and quality of life.
Why Cat Dental Health is Essential
Cats are notorious for hiding pain and discomfort, making dental problems hard to detect until they become severe. Poor dental care in cats can lead to significant issues, such as tooth loss, infections, and systemic diseases impacting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Signs of Dental Disease in Cats:
- Persistent bad breath
- Yellowish-brown tartar buildup along the gum line
- Swollen or reddened gums
- Loose teeth or tooth loss
- Changes in eating or chewing habits
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Pain or bleeding when the mouth is touched
- Excessive saliva production
- Weight loss
- Grinding or chattering of teeth
- Visible pus around the teeth or gums
- Slow decline in energy, less playful, and prone to sleeping more often
Maintaining Your Cat’s Dental Health at Home
While professional care is vital, daily dental care at home is equally important.
1. Daily Brushing
Use a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to gently brush their teeth daily, focusing on areas prone to plaque buildup, such as the back molars.
2. Cat Dental Chews
Provide dental chews made for cats to help reduce plaque and tartar. Choose products recommended by veterinary dentistry experts.
3. Diet
Choose a diet that supports your cat’s oral health. Vets on Balwyn recommend Hill’s Science Diet T/D, the gold standard in dental care. Its larger kibble and specific ingredients help reduce tartar and calculus buildup. Consult your veterinarian to find the best diet for your cat.
4. Dental Supplements
Powders like PlaqueOff mixed into your cat’s food help reduce plaque binding to teeth.
5. Oral Mouthwash/Wipes
These help control bacteria and maintain oral hygiene.
6. Veterinary Dental Checkups
Annual checkups are essential to manage tartar and plaque that at-home dental care might not address. It is recommended to schedule health checks every 6 months. Our team may recommend a dental scale and polish to:
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- prevent irreversible dental disease
- manage tooth loss, or extract damaged teeth
Comprehensive Cat Dental Services Melbourne
At Vets on Balwyn, we utilise tools such as dental X-rays and ultrasonic cleaning equipment to deliver thorough cat dental care. After an ultrasonic cleaning, our team will develop a customised dental care plan to address your furry friend’s specific needs.
For a dental cleaning, call Vets on Balwyn at (03) 9850 1355.
FAQs
For a complete dental examination and cleaning, including X-rays, anaesthesia is necessary to ensure a comfortable and thorough process.
Costs vary based on factors such as tartar buildup, gum health, and required extractions. To get an accurate estimate, please schedule an appointment for an evaluation.
Usually, we recommend dental cleanings every 6 to 12 months, depending on your cat’s age, breed, and dental health. We’ll give you personalised advice based on your cat’s needs.
If your cat has a broken tooth, contact us right away. Broken teeth can be painful and may lead to infections. We’ll examine the tooth and suggest the best treatment.
