how to take care of cat teeth

Good cat dental care can really help your cat’s health

Over 70% of cats develop dental disease by the age of three — a painful condition where bacteria attacks the tissues around the teeth, causing swollen gums, bone loss, and truly vile kitty breath. Both indoor and outdoor cats can get periodontitis, so don’t wait! Help your kitty have a happier mouth and body with regular oral exams, professional dental cleanings, and mindful dental care at home. Start when your cat’s a kitten, if you can. Early training can definitely help future dental upkeep easier down the line.

woman holds yawning orange kitten illustration

Do I need to brush my cat's teeth?

You should brush your cat’s teeth daily, or at least twice a week. Cat teeth are the perfect shape to trap food, which then turns into a sticky, stinky paste of spit and bacteria. If this gunk isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and causes inflammation and infection. This can lead to tooth pain and even tooth loss.

How and when to clean your cat’s teeth

Don’t run at your cat with a human toothbrush — it will not end well. Instead, start getting your kitten used to the idea of your hands in and near their mouth (and on their feet, so you can trim their nails, too). Training can take up to two months, so don’t try to rush it. Be patient and relaxed. Add in lots of petting and maybe even a few small treats as rewards.

Hold your kitty gently and firmly from behind. Start training by gently rubbing your cat’s chin, which most cats really enjoy. Then, slowly and gradually, step by step, work your fingers up to the side of their lips; start lightly lifting up their side lip; and, finally, gently rub the sides of their teeth.
You have a few choices to help clean kitty teeth, including a cat toothbrush, a finger toothbrush, and dental wipes. Always use a cat-safe toothbrush and paste — human toothbrushes aren’t designed for cat mouths, and the ingredients in human toothpaste can make cats very sick, even in small amounts. And you can skip the floss, which can knot up in kitty bellies if they eat it.
Rub the outside surface of each tooth with your brush or wipe in a gentle circle, paying the most attention to the upper teeth. (Don’t worry about the inside — that’s a job for a professional!) Some cats like to chew on the bristles on their cat toothbrush, which can also help to get gunk out.
Each kitty should have their very own brush. If you’re using dental wipes, chuck each one after use.

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What can I do if my cat won’t let me brush?

Safety first! Talk to your veterinary team if your cat simply refuses home dental care. They can recommend more ways to help your cat’s pearly whites, including oral rinses and sprays, additives you can put in their drinking water, and special dental diets. If you like, ask for recommendations for dental treats as an additional supplement.

See more about cat dental care

Give your cat the “gold standard” for cat dental care

Unfortunately, even a cat that seems totally chill may not have terrific teeth. You might not even suspect your cat has a problem until their dental disease is very advanced and super painful. Good professional wellness care, including oral exams and cleanings, is a great way to help you know what’s going on with your cat, inside and out.

Twice-yearly dental exams (as part of their comprehensive exam)
Annual professional dental cleanings
Regular home care

How Banfield can help

We’re here for kitty love, health, and dental care. Regular oral exams and professional dental cleanings can help to tackle the tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth, plus help us identify any tooth issues early on. Together we can work to help the kitten you love have a happier, healthier mouth.

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