Choosing Better Veterinary Care

Taking care of a cat's oral hygiene is a necessity in order for your cat to live a long, healthy, and pain-free life. However, that doesn't mean it's easy to do. Even seasoned pet owners often have difficulty in brushing their cats' teeth. While brushing your cat's teeth is something you should do on a regular basis, there are other ways to help improve your cat's oral health without making you both completely miserable. If you aren't trying these steps yet, add them to your repertoire.

Water Additives

Many companies now sell water additives that you can put in your cat's water dish. These additives aren't a replacement for water but are simply meant to be included with the water you would normally put in their bowl. The enzymes and chemicals contained in these products help to beat bacteria lurking in your cat's mouth that can lead to gum disease and cavities. While water additives can't do much to help with existing gum disease and cavities, they're a great tool to have in your arsenal following a professional cleaning or tooth extraction.

Enzyme Toothpaste On its Own

There are many different kinds of pet toothpaste on the market, but for this tip, you need to look for enzymatic toothpaste. While most pet toothpastes are just intended to add a pleasant flavor and a more effective cleansing while brushing your cat's teeth, enzymatic toothpastes contain enzymes that are helpful in beating plaque, biofilm, and bacteria.

The enzymes contained in enzymatic toothpaste actually consume bad things like bacteria and plaque cells. This means that if the toothpaste just gets into your cat's mouth, it'll help to control bacteria and plaque in their mouth. While it's ideal to get it on every tooth and between them as well, simply getting your cat to lick up the toothpaste is better than giving up on their oral hygiene entirely.

Finger Brush

Lastly, if your cat makes it hard for you to brush their teeth because they bite, consider a finger brush.

Finger toothbrushes are typically made out of silicone or rubber. They encase your finger, and the tip is intended to go in a cat's mouth to brush their teeth and gums. When a cat bites down, its teeth can't penetrate through the protection on your finger, so you won't get hurt. If your cat is prone to biting when you try to brush their teeth, this will allow you to get the job done without getting injured in the process.

Keeping your cat's teeth clean can be accomplished with these tips and regular check-up and cleanings at your veterinarian's office. If your cat isn't getting regular dental care yet, change that today and contact a vet office like 1st Pet Veterinary Centers.