Just like humans, cats need to get their teeth checked annually to stay healthy and have fresh breath. If neglected, poor dental health can lead to other health problems which can cause them pain or discomfort. To prevent dental problems and gum disease, it is important to have your cat’s teeth examined by one of our veterinarians. To book an appointment or for more information, call us at 604-986-2287.
Is bad breath a sign of dental problems?
The short answer is yes! Foul-smelling breath can be a sign of poor dental hygiene. Other signs to look for include:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Loose or rotting teeth
- Problems eating (on one side of the mouth)
- Blood in saliva
- Bumps or wounds in the mouth
How can I improve my cat’s dental health?
Taking care of your pet’s teeth at home can be hard. Simple tricks to keeping their teeth and gums healthy are:
- Scheduling their annual checkups
- Getting in a routine of brushing their teeth daily with cat-specific toothpaste and toothbrush
- Giving them healthy treats and quality food
- Giving them lots of water to wash away any food debris
Will my cat need to be sedated during an oral exam/dental cleaning?
In order to perform a thorough oral exam and dental cleaning, your cat must be placed under a full general anesthetic. As with all anesthetic procedures, your cat will be placed on intravenous fluids as well as heart, blood pressure and respiration monitors. Your cat will be wrapped in warm towels and will be lying on a pet warming mat to ensure that your cat’s body temperature is properly maintained throughout the procedure. If an extraction is necessary, the doctor will prescribe pain control medication and will do complimentary post-procedure reassessments until your cat’s mouth is sufficiently healed.
