How Often Do Cats Need Dental Cleaning?

By the time your cat is three years of age, there's a 70 percent likelihood that he has signs of oral disease, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society. Preventing dental problems such as periodontal disease and gingivitis begins with close attention to your cat's habits and making sure he receives regular dental examinations and tooth cleanings.

  1. It's More Than Halitosis

    • You'll probably know if it's time for your cat to have his teeth cleaned if you pay attention to the signs of beginning dental disease. Bad breath and yellow teeth are two classic signs, notes the American Veterinary Medical Association. But you may need to peer into your cat's mouth for a closer look. Look for tartar buildup and check to see if the gums are swollen or receding. Look for any fractured teeth as well--this can cause feline "cavities," which are very painful. You may also notice that your cat avoids eating dry food. If your pet is in chronic pain, his behavior might be different--he may be more irritable, lethargic, or exhibit signs of aggression.

      Certain purebred cat breeds are more prone to have dental problems, states Daniel Carmichael, DVM, of the Center for Specialized Veterinary Care in Westbury, N.Y. Abyssinians, Siamese, Maine Coons, Persians and Somalis are genetically predisposed to dental disease. If you own one of these breeds, be even more diligent when it comes to his dental care.

    Veterinary Dental Cleaning

    • The Cornell Feline Health Center advises that cat guardians have their pet's teeth examined and clean at least once a year. During routine dentistry, your kitty is first sedated using general anesthesia. The veterinarian will first examine your cat's mouth to see if any teeth are missing or diseased. Scaling (removal of plaque and tartar) is then done, followed by a polishing. If any teeth need to be extracted, this is typically done during the course of routine dentistry as well. The Cornell Feline Health Center notes that the entire process takes around 45 minutes to an hour, if an extraction is warranted.

      Although most cats with relatively good dental health can suffice with once-yearly cleanings, if your cat is showing signs of more advanced dental disease, his veterinarian may recommend more frequent professional cleanings, in addition to home treatment programs, and one of these may include brushing his teeth yourself.

    Home Toothbrushing

    • You can purchase toothbrushes and toothpaste in flavors cats favor (such as tuna and chicken) at many veterinary clinics and brick-and-mortar pet supply stores. You can use a finger-style toothbrush or a handle-style toothbrush sized to fit Tabby's mouth that are tailor-made for cats and any flavor of toothpaste he prefers, but never use toothpaste or toothbrushes made for humans.

      To acclimate your cat to home teeth cleanings, start by simply offering the flavored toothpaste to your cat on the brush, the Winn Feline Foundation advises. Or you can choose to douse the brush in your pet's favorite flavor, such as water from a tuna can. Permit your cat to lick the brush several times a day. As soon as he begins to equate the toothbrush with a tasty treat, begin to brush his teeth. (This may take time and perseverance.)

      It's easier to train kittens to accept home toothbrushing, but even adult cats can become accustomed to the procedure. The Winn Feline Foundation warns that at-home care should not take the place of routine dentistry offered by your pet's veterinarian; this is supplemental to his overall dental health. Brushing your cat's pearly whites every three days is sufficient, but the Winn Feline Foundation recommends that you clean his teeth every day.