Importance Of Diet In Dental Care For Cats

Dental health is significant in the overall good health of cats. Ideally, proper care on a regular basis should begin with kittens. Published studies show that most cats over two years of age show dental problems to some degree. A combination of the proper diet and veterinary care are needed to avoid problems cats experience, from plaque and calculus buildup to periodontal diseases and others.

Most experts agree that the mechanical action of chewing dry food slows plaque and calculus buildup on teeth. A recent study at the Purina Pet Care Center confirmed this benefit.

Problems Created By Plaque
Food material, bacteria and saliva tend to accumulate and adhere to a cat’s tooth surface, forming a soft plaque. If plaque buildup continues, solutions of chalk-like material form a hardened dental calculus on the tooth surface.

Left unchecked, plaque and calculus buildup may eventually cause inflammation of both the gums (gingivitis) and the membrane lining the tooth socket (periodontitis).

As a result, tooth loss may occur, as well as bacterial infection. The infection may spread to other parts of the body such as the kidneys or valves of the heart.

About the Study
The study at the Purina Pet Care Center involved 30 shorthaired cats. During the one-year study, all cats were housed and cared for under similar conditions.

At the beginning of the study, each cat’s teeth were evaluated and scored for plaque, calculus and gingival health. After scoring, all teeth were cleaned and polished.

One group was fed a commercially available dry cat food, complete and balanced for all life stages. The other group was fed a commercially available canned cat food, complete and balanced for growth and maintenance.

Plaque, calculus and gingival indices were measured at the beginning of the study and then at three, six, nine, and 12 months. Cats fed the dry food had lower plaque and calculus scores at all measuring intervals. This study shows that feeding a dry diet reduced the buildup of plaque and tartar, resulting in improved dental health.

Providing Dental Care
Although the findings of this study confirm the importance of diet in a cat’s dental health, additional dental care is required. Signs of dental problems are often subtle and may go undetected for months or even years unless proper veterinary and home care are provided.

Ideally, proper dental care begins by accustoming a young kitten to having its teeth cleaned on a regular basis at home. This can be part of its grooming routine. Gently rub the kitten’s teeth with a soft cloth, a child’s toothbrush or a special pet toothbrush dipped in plain water. Once the kitten is accustomed to having its teeth rubbed, try using toothpaste formulated especially for cats. Do not use toothpaste formulated for humans because kittens swallow rather than spit out the preparation. A veterinarian can demonstrate proper brushing techniques.

Regular dental examinations conducted by a veterinarian are recommended. A good opportunity for this dental checkup is during the yearly physical examination at the time vaccinations are given. Regular cleaning and scaling under anesthesia done by a veterinarian aids in preventing or minimizing dental problems.

Common signs of advanced dental problems in cats include red, swollen or bleeding gums; drooling; bad breath; loss of appetite; dark spots on molars and raised sores in the mouth.

Proper dental care over the years may prolong your cat’s life.