Periodontal disease is very common in cats over the age of three. Your cat may suffer from Periodontal disease and you won’t even know it, because cats usually don’t show any signs that a problem exist, some even appear to eat normally.
The way to accustom your cat to brushing is to follow the 4 weeks program:
Week 1: Becoming familiar with the taste and smell of the toothpaste and toothbrush. Of course, it’s important to use a toothbrush and a toothpaste especially for cats. Leave them out where your cat can smell them and that way she won’t feel intimidated by them. You can even put some of the toothpaste on your finger and let her lick it off.
Week 2: Train your cat to accept you putting toothpaste inside her mouth. Every day put some toothpaste on your finger and apply some of it on your cat’s long and sharp teeth that are located in the front of the mouth.
Week 3: Let your cat learn to accept a toothbrush in her mouth. Put some toothpaste on the toothbrush and let your cat lick it off.
Week 4: You will begin to brush her teeth. Stretch her lips gently far back enough to allow you to insert the brush into the spaces between the cheek and gums. Place the brush at about 45 degree angle to the teeth, aiming for the narrow cracks between the teeth and gums, and move the brush gently to disrupted the Plaque. The direction is not that important, just do it quickly enough so your cat won’t lose her patient. You only need to brush the outside surface of the teeth, the tongue is doing a good job keeping the Plaque disrupted inside the mouth.
Be aware to signs such as blood on the toothbrush, swelling of the gum or discomfort during brushing. If you suspect there’s a problem, take your cat to the vet to have her mouth examined.
It’s very important to give your cat a reward each time for cooperation. It can be something she likes to eat or even something she enjoys doing.
If you want to know more about dental problems, you can read my post: http://cats-zone.com/blog/cat-health/dental-problems
