Dental Care

Dental Care in Denver, CO

Dental Care

Dental Care for Cats

This is due to the mouth-body connection. If left untreated, gum disease, which can result from years without dental care, can eventually affect the internal organs. Of course, no one wants this for their cat, and we don’t want it for our patients. That’s why we strongly recommend annual dental exams so we can determine if a cat teeth cleaning is needed.

We believe in preventive care with all of our services because prevention is easier and more cost-effective than treatment. The dental care services at Denver Cat Hospital are designed to both prevent and treat oral problems, including broken teeth and gum disease. Our dental suites are equipped with modern tools and technology, allowing our veterinarians to perform high-quality dental care with patient safety and comfort at the forefront.

CSigns of Gum Disease

Since gum disease is one of the most common diseases seen in cats, it’s important for you as a cat owner to be familiar with its symptoms. There are several stages of gum disease in cats and the more advanced the stage, the more symptoms there are. The following are some of the most common ones:

• Chronic bad breath
• Swollen, red gums
• Loose teeth
• Trouble eating
• Pawing at the mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Brownish-yellow tartar buildup along the gum line

Dental Evaluation

A dental evaluation consists of an examination of your cat’s teeth and gums to confirm that a their teeth cleaning is necessary. Once it has been determined what your cat needs, a plan will be made for its dental procedure and we will schedule an appointment.

Cat Teeth Cleaning Procedure

Once your cat is under anesthesia a more thorough examination can be performed and then the teeth will be cleaned and polished. Hand and ultrasonic scalers are used to remove tartar and plaque which cause periodontal disease. It is especially important to clean below the gum line since tartar growth is the primary cause of advanced periodontal disease. Polishing the teeth after the cleaning removes microscopic scratches and slows down future plaque accumulation.

Every tooth will be checked above and below the gum line for periodontal disease and abnormalities will be recorded in your cat’s medical record. A periodontal probe is used to check for bleeding gums, accumulation of food in pockets, and tooth decay. During the procedure, additional issues such as cavities and advanced periodontal disease may be found, and there is a possibility that some teeth may need to be extracted. Our findings may also necessitate a follow-up visit.

At-Home Cat Teeth Cleaning

Bringing your cat in once a year for an exam and scheduling teeth cleanings as needed are important in keeping your cat’s mouth healthy, but at-home care is equally important. We recommend that you brush your cat’s teeth with a cat-safe toothpaste daily, or at least a few times a week. It is important to use cat-specific toothpaste, as human toothpaste and baking soda should never be used in cats toothpaste as they contain ingredients that can cause internal issues if swallowed. Cats Toothpaste not only tastes great to your cat, but they are also specifically designed to break down plaque, reducing the time that you spend brushing their teeth.

Veterinary Services in Denver, CO