Are you supposed to brush your cat’s teeth?

Yes, cats over the age of 7 are prone to the risks of periodontal diseases and must maintain good dental health. Additionally, brushing a cat’s teeth regularly helps get rid of plaque and microbial growth, and avoid cat tooth decay.

Is it too late to brush my cat’s teeth?

It is never too late to brush a cat’s teeth. If you suspect gingivitis in cats, with symptoms such as pale gums in cats, aversion to eating and drinking, or foul breath, it is important to visit a cat dentist.

Do I need to brush my cat’s teeth with toothpaste?

Toothpaste for cats can be extremely beneficial in maintaining good oral health in cats. Other than preventing tooth decay, plaque build-up, and microbial actions that causes infection, feline toothpastes contain calcium, phosphates, and minerals to fortify and maintain their dental health.

What are the benefits of using pet toothpaste?

Pet-safe toothpastes often contain ingredients like Calprox, potassium hydroxide, and cetylpyridinium chloride to help reduce plaque, tartar, and tooth decay. They’re also enriched with minerals that support strong enamel and healthy gums.

How can I clean my cats' teeth naturally?

You can naturally clean your cat’s teeth using dental additives in their drinking water as cat gingivitis treatment that help get rid of microbial growth and tartar accumulation. Additionally, you can also consider getting eco-friendly biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes for cats!

How often do I have to brush my cat’s teeth?

Daily brushing is the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums. But at the bare minimum, brushing two to three times a week helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can harden within 24 to 48 hours. If daily brushing isn’t possible, alternatives like dental diets, treats, water additives, or oral gels can support your pet’s health and lower the risk of cat gingivitis.

Cat Gingivitis – Causes, Symptoms, and Care

One of the most common dental illnesses in felines is cat gingivitis. This condition is marked by inflammation of the gums and is considered the earliest stage of periodontal disease. If left untreated, it can progress to serious oral health problems that affect your cat’s comfort, appetite, and overall wellbeing.

Being aware of the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures for gingivitis in cats is key for keeping your feline friend healthy and happy.

What Causes Feline Gingivitis?

Gingivitis in cats is caused by plaque accumulation along the gum line. Plaque contains bacteria that irritate the gums, and when it builds up, it can lead to redness, swelling, and pain. If left untreated, feline gingivitis could progress to periodontitis, a more severe and permanent oral condition. While the main cause of cat gingivitis comes from plaque buildup, other contributing factors include:

Age

Older cats naturally accumulate more plaque and tartar, making them more vulnerable to gingivitis cat issues. Kittens may also experience mild gingivitis while teething, though this usually resolves as their adult teeth grow.

Dental Alignment and Trauma

Cats with crowded or misaligned teeth have more spaces for bacteria to hide. Similarly, broken or fractured teeth can irritate the gums and increase the risk of infection, leading to cat gingivitis.

Diet

Cats that eat primarily soft or sticky foods are more likely to develop plaque because these textures don’t help clean the teeth. Feeding dry kibble or dental diets can support healthier gums and reduce the likelihood of gingivitis in cats.

Lack of Dental Care

Without regular brushing or veterinary cleanings, plaque quickly hardens into tartar. This hardened buildup presses against the gums and leads directly to gingivitis. Preventive care is one of the best ways to protect your cat.

Underlying Health Concerns

Cats with conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) have weaker immune systems. These cats are more susceptible to infections, making them prone to feline gingivitis and other oral diseases.

Symptoms of Gingivitis in Cats

Spotting the signs of gingivitis in cats early can help prevent pain and long-term damage. Here are the most common symptoms cat parents should watch for:

Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums

The hallmark of cat gingivitis is inflamed gums. You might notice redness along the gumline or bleeding when your cat eats, grooms, or chews toys. If ignored, the inflammation worsens and chewing becomes painful.

Bad Breath

Unusually strong or foul-smelling breath (halitosis) is often one of the first signs of feline gingivitis. The smell comes from bacteria and plaque that build up in the mouth.

Drooling

Cat gingivitis may cause excessive drooling. Sometimes the saliva is blood-tinged because of gum irritation. Excessive drooling can also stain fur and irritate the skin around the mouth.

Reduced Appetite

When gums are sore, cats may drop food, chew only on one side of the mouth, or avoid crunchy food. Over time, this reduced appetite may cause weight loss or poor nutrition.

Behavioral Changes

Cats with gingivitis may become irritable, withdrawn, or reluctant to be touched around the mouth and face. General irritability and subtle changes in behavior are often early signals of discomfort.

Diagnosing and Treating Cat Gingivitis

A proper veterinary diagnosis is essential to confirm gingivitis in cats. Your vet will usually perform an oral exam under anesthesia and may recommend dental X-rays to assess gum and bone health. If your cat has been diagnosed with gingivitis, some treatment options include:

Dental Scaling and Polishing

Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. This is the most common treatment for cat gingivitis and helps restore gum health. Regular scaling prevents gingivitis from advancing into irreversible periodontal disease.

Tooth Extraction

If teeth are severely damaged or infected, extraction may be necessary to relieve pain and stop the spread of bacteria. Many cats adjust well after extractions and often feel more comfortable once the pain is gone.

Medications

For moderate cases of feline gingivitis, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to treat infection or anti-inflammatory drugs to ease swelling and pain. These medications support healing but usually work best alongside professional cleaning.

Specialized Therapies

In advanced cases like gingivostomatitis, more intensive treatments may be required. Stem cell therapy, or surgical options may be recommended to manage chronic inflammation and improve your cat’s quality of life.

Why is Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth Important?

Cats over the age of 4 are often exposed to the risks of dental disorders and gingivitis in cats, while senior cats commonly run the risks of periodontal and cat gum diseases in cats and other cat teeth problems. So, brushing their teeth regularly is an important chore for cat parents for the sake of the good dental health of their adorable fur babies. Additionally, brushing their teeth regularly gets rid of microbial and tartar accumulation that can cause plaque or cat tooth decay, pale gums in cats and eliminate foul smell from their mouth, keeping your kitty’s breath minty fresh for you to dote on.

Preventing Cat Gingivitis

If you’re a new cat owner,(open in new tab) you may be wondering when the best time is to start brushing your cat’s teeth. Most veterinarians recommend cat parents to start brushing their furry munchkin’s teeth at a young age as it helps them get used to the cleaning quickly. Starting early will prevent dental disease in cats as they grow into fabulous adults.

Here are some simple practices you can adopt to promote lifelong oral health for your feline friend:

Cleaning your Kitten’s Teeth

Here are some of the steps that can allow you to teach your feline little friend to accept tooth brushing.

Start by getting a small cat toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste from your vet or pet shop. Let your kitten lick a little toothpaste first to get used to the taste. Gently brush the back teeth on each side using soft, circular motions.
Make sure your kitten feels secure when brushing their teeth. Have them sit on your lap or a stable surface. Use gentle strokes and keep sessions short, about 10 seconds per side. Some light gum bleeding is normal at first. Stay calm and patient, and over time, your kitten will get used to the routine.
Make this a routine by aiming to do this at least once a week. This will allow them to grow comfortable with you and the new routine.
Always reward with cuddles or treats afterwards to make tooth brushing a positive experience.

Regular Checks

Your kitten's teeth should be clean and free from deposits. Her gums should be a healthy pink color. If you notice any redness around your kitten’s teeth and gums, speak to your vet – sometimes bits of food and bacteria can lead to plaque. Get your kitten used to having her mouth checked from an early age – it’ll make life a lot easier when brushing cats' teeth!

Feed Special Food

For pet parents serving dry cat food(open in new tab), it’s best to get a variant that’s appropriate for your cat’s age. Kibble sizes can vary across different life stages, so that means that adult cat food(open in new tab) pellets can be bigger compared to kitten food.(open in new tab)Feeding a small cat larger pellets can make chewing difficult, and in some cases cause dental discomfort.

If you’re caring for a growing kitten, feeding them with WHISKAS® Junior Ocean Fish Dry Cat Food(open in new tab) ensures that the food they’re eating is the right size and shape for your kitten’s mouth, and that the abrasive texture is good for your pet’s teeth and gums.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Your Cat

It is extremely vital to use feline toothbrushes that have been specifically designed for brushing a cat’s teeth. This is because toothbrushes meant for humans tend to have harder, sharper bristles that can easily scratch or scrape into your furry friend’s soft gum tissues, causing them to bleed. Toothbrushes with rougher bristles can also cause the enamel layer of your kitty’s teeth to be stripped off, leading to hypersensitivity. Here are some of the things to keep in mind while choosing the right toothbrush for your kitty:

Choose a BPA-free (Bisphenol-A free) toothbrush for kitten teeth care to avoid any chemical allergies.
Toothbrushes for brushing a cat’s teeth should have a 45-degree angled design, making brushing cats teeth effective and convenient.
Choose a brush with softer bristles that are gentle on your healthy cat gums.
Toothbrushes with double brush ends can also help in getting rid of stubborn food particles and prevents cat gingivitis treatment.
You can also get wearable finger toothbrushes designed for kitten teeth care that allows more control over the brushing angle and pressure.

Additionally, here are some other optional products that you might consider getting:

Dental treats
Not only do dental treats taste great and can be offered as an incentive before brushing cats teeth, but they also have a noteworthy benefit - reducing tartar and as cat gingivitis treatment. Tartar and plaque build-up in cats can soon lead to gingivitis if left untreated. Dental treats contain zinc oxide and calcium carbonate that give them a crunchy texture to scrub the teeth and remove gingivitis in cats.
Eco-friendly cat toothbrushes
Eco-friendly toothbrushes for cats are made from biodegradable bamboo fibres that are not just a step towards sustainable living, but also healthy for feline use, as they are completely organic and free from chemical additives.

Supporting Your Pet Through Gingivitis Cat Care

Cat gingivitis is one of the most common dental problems in cats, but by following the right cat care tips(open in new tab), it can be managed and even prevented. By understanding the causes of cat gingivitis, watching for signs like red gums or bad breath, and following preventive steps such as daily brushing and regular check-ups, you can protect your cat’s teeth, gums, and overall health.

To ensure that your cat lives its best life, the best thing you can do as a cat parent is to stay on top of your cat’s nutrition(open in new tab). Enriched with essential nutrients to support strong teeth and bones, serving WHISKAS® cat food(open in new tab) alongside proper dental care will help your feline stay healthy, comfortable, and happy!

Frequently Asked Questions

All Questions Tips to Brushing Cats Teeth Clean

Are you supposed to brush your cat’s teeth?

Yes, cats over the age of 7 are prone to the risks of periodontal diseases and must maintain good dental health. Additionally, brushing a cat’s teeth regularly helps get rid of plaque and microbial growth, and avoid cat tooth decay.
Is it too late to brush my cat’s teeth?

It is never too late to brush a cat’s teeth. If you suspect gingivitis in cats, with symptoms such as pale gums in cats, aversion to eating and drinking, or foul breath, it is important to visit a cat dentist.
Do I need to brush my cat’s teeth with toothpaste?

Toothpaste for cats can be extremely beneficial in maintaining good oral health in cats. Other than preventing tooth decay, plaque build-up, and microbial actions that causes infection, feline toothpastes contain calcium, phosphates, and minerals to fortify and maintain their dental health.
What are the benefits of using pet toothpaste?

Pet-safe toothpastes often contain ingredients like Calprox, potassium hydroxide, and cetylpyridinium chloride to help reduce plaque, tartar, and tooth decay. They’re also enriched with minerals that support strong enamel and healthy gums.
How can I clean my cats' teeth naturally?

You can naturally clean your cat’s teeth using dental additives in their drinking water as cat gingivitis treatment that help get rid of microbial growth and tartar accumulation. Additionally, you can also consider getting eco-friendly biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes for cats!
How often do I have to brush my cat’s teeth?

Daily brushing is the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums. But at the bare minimum, brushing two to three times a week helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can harden within 24 to 48 hours. If daily brushing isn’t possible, alternatives like dental diets, treats, water additives, or oral gels can support your pet’s health and lower the risk of cat gingivitis.