Treatment of tartar in cats: causes, symptoms, prevention

veterinarian Petstory

Tartar in cats is a fairly common problem, especially in animals over 6 years of age. Its formation depends on the type of feeding, breed, drinking regime, genetics and the presence of oral diseases. In this article we will tell you how to avoid its formation and how to get rid of it.

Stones on the teeth of cats: the main thing

• Tartar is a brown or yellow build-up on teeth made up of bacteria, food debris and lime deposits.
• Dental plaque harms not only the oral cavity, but also the digestive organs, respiratory system and even the eyes.
• The main reason for the formation is insufficient oral hygiene and gum disease.
• The most susceptible to the formation of plaque on teeth are cats of brachycephalic breeds (with a short muzzle) and cats over 6 years of age.
• The main symptoms are bad breath, reddening of the gums, characteristic plaque and growths on the teeth.
• The diagnosis can be made by careful examination of the oral cavity.
• Stone removal is possible only with an ultrasonic scaler; other methods are effective only at an early stage.
• Prevention consists of oral hygiene (brushing teeth, special food, using toothpick treats).

We teach your pet to brush its teeth from a kitten

It is easier to accustom a small kitten to the procedure. If the cat is an adult, the procedure will take more time. At first this will cause certain difficulties, but then the pet will get used to it, so it will not pay attention to the procedure.

There are certain recommendations that, if followed, will help accustom your kitten to brushing its teeth:

• You need to find a quiet place where you can place your pet. The door should be closed so as not to leave him an escape route. You can carry out the procedure on your knees or by placing your pet on a table covered with a towel.
• A cotton swab should be dipped into the tuna liquid. Cats love the taste and it will be a good association with brushing their teeth in the future.
• It is necessary to lift the animal's lips; the teeth need not be opened.
• Use a cotton swab to rub your lips and the edges of your gums.
• If your pet is nervous, you don’t have to try to treat all the teeth; you can start with a few.
• When the kitten gets used to it, you can start brushing procedures.

What is tartar?

Tartar is a hard build-up on teeth that is made up of a mixture of bacteria, limescale deposits and food debris.

It all starts with the fact that cats develop plaque on their teeth, consisting of food debris. Bacteria enter this environment, feel comfortable there and actively multiply.

Due to the vital processes of microorganisms (rotting, oxidation), an unpleasant odor emanates from the mouth.

Bacteria always live in the oral cavity and are usually harmless, but when actively multiplying, they cause tissue inflammation. Over time, dental plaque becomes denser and thicker, mineral compounds begin to settle in it, and due to this it gradually hardens. The color of the stone can range from yellow-gray to brown, sometimes with green inclusions (due to fungal growth).

Depending on the microbiome and the type of salts, the stones on cats' teeth come in different densities. And they can form at different speeds. At the very beginning, dental deposits are soft and can be brushed off. But as it hardens, due to the vital processes of bacteria, the stone will cover an increasingly larger area of ​​the tooth, strengthen and destroy the enamel. It is important to remember that tartar and plaque form not only on the surface of the tooth, but also in the subgingival space.

Possible complications

Tartar is a health hazard for your cat. As mineral deposits grow, they form a dental pocket and cause gum irritation.

In addition, it contributes to the appearance of dental diseases, such as gingivitis, caries, periodontitis, periodontitis, osteomyelitis, which, in turn, cause not only loosening and loss of teeth, but also purulent processes, sepsis, which create dangerous preconditions for death.

Danger to the animal

Tartar is dangerous not only for the teeth and gums, but also for other organ systems of the cat. Let's discuss the most common complications:

• First of all, the oral cavity suffers. The enamel is destroyed, the constant presence of bacteria causes decay processes and provokes pathological processes (periodontitis, gingivitis, stomatitis, caries, periostitis). This is accompanied by redness and pain. Over time, if left untreated, teeth will begin to rot and fall out.
• Inflammation of the roots of the teeth can develop into gumboil or an abscess in the muzzle area.
• Painful chewing will reduce appetite, and the animal will not receive enough nutrients, which will affect its health.
• Bacteria from the oral cavity constantly enter the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract, which increases the risk of diseases of these organ systems (enteritis, pneumonia, etc.).
• Eye diseases. The cat licks itself, and bacteria from the mouth constantly gets into the mucous membranes of the eyes, which can cause inflammation.
• Rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis. The nasal cavity is located in close proximity to the oral cavity; they communicate in the pharynx. Thus, inflammatory processes in the mouth can easily provoke rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages). And rhinitis can turn into conjunctivitis due to the nasolacrimal duct, which runs between the nose and the inner corner of the eye. It is not uncommon for animals with advanced cases to have chronic discharge from the eyes or nose.

How is the procedure performed in the clinic?

The animal is given anesthesia, since the procedure is quite painful; it is also important for the doctor that the animal is in a calm state.

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Causes of tartar

In cats, it all starts with dental plaque, which is formed from food debris. Accordingly, the main reason for the formation of stones is insufficient oral hygiene.

Additional factors are:

• Soft food. Pastes, mousses, porridges will settle more easily on the walls of the teeth.
• Small feed granules. If the granules are not chewed, but swallowed, there is no cleaning of the teeth, and the plaque progresses.
• Age. By the age of 6-8 years, cats usually already have dental plaque. There is nothing wrong with this, you just need to get rid of them in time before problems arise.
• Oral diseases. Firstly, if your pet has these diseases (gingivostomatitis, calicivirus, etc.), then he will not be able to chew normally, which will increase the formation of plaque. And secondly, there will be more bacteria in the oral cavity during inflammation, and they are responsible for the hardening of plaque.
• Breed predisposition. The stone is more actively formed in animals with a flat muzzle due to the structural features of the jaw (more details below).

Who's at risk

Tartar forms especially intensively in pets with a flattened muzzle (Persian, exotic, British, etc.). Due to the peculiarities of their jaw structure, these cats often grasp food incorrectly and cannot chew it well. They also often have an abnormal arrangement of teeth, pockets and crevices form into which food gets clogged and, over time, tartar forms.

Elderly animals are also at risk. In them, as a rule, the stone grows for a long time without symptoms; owners may not notice it until the problem becomes acute. For cats over 6 years old, an annual examination by a veterinarian is recommended (can be combined with vaccination).

How to recognize a cat’s tendency to this disease?

If previously tartar was considered a disease characteristic of older cats, today it is increasingly detected in young animals. Most experts believe that the reason for this trend is an unbalanced diet, which leads to disruption of many metabolic processes.

Veterinarians identify risk groups that include certain breeds of cats that are susceptible to developing tartar. The owners of the Persians, British and Scots should be wary. The tendency to this disease among the named breeds is caused by the negligent attitude of low-skilled breeders towards their gene pool.

Semi-feral and barn cats, accustomed to eating exclusively natural food, are much less susceptible to the formation of tartar and other oral diseases. The reason for this is a much stable immunity compared to purebred relatives.

However, it is possible to protect your pet from such an unpleasant problem. The most important thing is to be careful and not delay visiting the veterinarian at the first suspicion that your animal has this disease.

Symptoms

The first symptoms are always bad breath and red gums. But the cat seems healthy. As it progresses, signs of oral disease will increase and worsen.

Symptoms of tartar in cats (as they progress):

• bad breath (halitosis);
• redness of the gums (gingivitis, stomatitis);
• bleeding gums;
• growths on teeth that are yellow, gray or brown (sometimes greenish due to fungal growth);
• chewing disorders - chewing on one side, grinding;
• decreased appetite;
• swelling in the cheekbones and lower jaw;
• pain when touching the gums or face;
• discharge from the eyes, nose;
• excessive salivation (hypersalivation).

Useful tips

• There are a lot of bacteria in the animal's mouth, so it is recommended to wear gloves when brushing teeth;
• The toothbrush should be washed thoroughly after the procedure;
• The brush needs to be replaced every 3 months;
• If there are several cats in the house, then each one requires a separate brush;
• Animal feed must be of high quality;
• Before cleaning, you need to let the cat smell the paste;
• The procedure should be accompanied by praise.

If it is not possible to remove plaque regularly, then you can buy special treats - sticks, pads for cleaning cats' teeth.

Tartar removal in cats

Complete removal of tartar can only be achieved using an ultrasonic scaler under anesthesia. All other methods are suitable for cleaning plaque or early stone (when it is still soft and can be brushed off).

The main means used to remove tartar in cats are:

Specialized feed

Feeds designed to combat tartar actually show their effectiveness, but only in the very early stages.

The bottom line is that the food has a certain size and kibble texture, due to which it seems to be pressed onto the tooth, and does not crumble immediately, which helps clean and massage the gums. Also, such diets, as a rule, contain components that reduce the formation of lime deposits. If the growths are significant, these foods will not clean your teeth. In addition, there are hard-to-reach places on the teeth that most likely will not be cleaned completely, and some cats even chew only with their front teeth.

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Tartar removers

In the early stages, a paste or gel can be used to remove tartar in cats. These drugs are effective only when used correctly. They need to thoroughly brush your teeth at least once every 3 days.

There are also “toothpicks” that can be given as treats once a day. Their effectiveness and operating principle are the same as those of food. But it is important not to exceed the daily requirement, since they consist of dense fibers and can cause diarrhea if taken in excess.

Various plant-based liquids in the form of sprays and gels do not help get rid of stones, but will fight inflammation and have a healing effect on the gums.

Mechanical teeth cleaning

Here we mean cleaning with special tools from a veterinarian. Dental instruments are usually used for this. Such cleaning will not get rid of subgingival stone, will not properly clean the enamel, and will not help remove deposits in hard-to-reach places. In addition, there is a risk of damage to the tooth itself. This method is ineffective and sometimes dangerous. After mechanical cleaning, the stone usually grows back quite quickly.

Sanitation (cleaning) with an ultrasonic scaler

The most effective way to get rid of tartar in cats is cleaning with an ultrasonic scaler. During sanitation, the doctor uses a special pen with a metal attachment at the end. This nozzle emits ultrasound, and at the same time a thin stream of solution enters it from a special hole. Due to the combination of ultrasound and liquid, tartar is destroyed. The tooth itself is not damaged.

But no cat in its right mind would allow a whistling device, and one that splashes water, to get into its mouth. Therefore, although the procedure is almost painless, sedation (light anesthesia) is used. This way you can avoid stress for your pet and thoroughly clean hard-to-reach places. After sanitation, it is recommended to polish the tooth enamel so that subsequent tartar formation is as slow as possible. The procedure is often performed in clinics and is well tolerated by animals.

What to do at home

You should not try to remove tartar on your own, as this can cause serious injury to your pet. The procedure is carried out exclusively in a veterinary clinic under general anesthesia.

For prevention purposes, it is advisable to periodically give your cat special food. Dry granules prevent plaque by binding calcium contained in saliva and provide complete mechanical cleaning of teeth.

Veterinarians note that in cats who consume medicated food, the layer of plaque decreases, its growth slows down, and in addition, the natural shade of tooth enamel is restored.

Prevention of tartar in cats

To prevent tartar in cats, you need to follow a few simple rules:

1. Oral hygiene. You need to brush your cat’s teeth with a brush yourself, once every 1-3 days, or with a doctor with an ultrasound - once every 1-2 years.
2. Drinking regime. Place several bowls and glasses of water around the apartment, especially where the cat likes to spend time. Change the water every day. If your pet loves to drink from the tap, you should consider purchasing a drinking fountain from a pet store. You can add a few drops of broth, wet food sauce, milk or lemon juice to the water. But the most important rule is that the bowl of water should be kept away from the bowl of food.
3. Specialized food and toothpick treats. Their periodic use will slow down the formation of tartar or completely prevent its appearance.
4. Annual examination by a veterinarian. It can be difficult to notice the first dental deposits. The doctor will be able to examine the oral cavity more thoroughly and take timely measures.

Reasons for education

In veterinary medicine, there are several reasons that influence the formation of tartar:

• Improperly balanced cat nutrition. The lack of natural food leads to the formation of microorganisms, which, when interacting with saliva, lead to the formation of deposits.
• Incorrectly formed bite.
• Metabolic disorders in the cat’s body lead to improper salt metabolism, resulting in the growth of tartar.
• Insufficient oral care.
• The presence of inflammation of the gums.

Do I need to prepare for treatment and what to do after it?

Before removing tartar from your cat, you need to take some preparatory measures. If the cat is young and has no health problems, then to prepare it is enough not to feed the pet for 12 hours before the operation.

If the animal is over 5 years old and has chronic pathologies, then before surgery it is necessary to undergo a full examination of the body, donate blood and urine for analysis. If your pet has severe diseases of the cardiovascular system, liver, or kidneys, then anesthesia is not used.

If the cat, in addition to tartar, also has an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane or the gums were injured during surgery, the doctor may advise the use of dental ointments and even prescribe antibacterial agents.

For 7 days after therapy, the cat should be given warm and soft food. If there is pain after surgery. Then you can give painkillers.

Plaque prevention

As for preventive measures, it is enough to follow simple rules so that you will never again wonder how to remove tartar at home. Proper care includes the following:

1. Complete cessation of unhealthy habits. We are talking about smoking, consumption of excessive amounts of sweets, coffee and black tea that affect dental health.
2. Quality food. Regular consumption of fresh vegetables, herbs and dairy products helps cleanse the enamel.
3. Purchase a new toothbrush every month.
4. Regular visits to the dentist. It is recommended to visit a dentist once every six months.

Removal

Removing tartar is a rather painful procedure that causes discomfort in the mustachioed one.

In order for your pet to undergo the procedure without stress and without pain, general anesthesia is used. The removal method is selected individually by a veterinarian and depends on the severity of the lesion:

1. Laser removal - used for small stone sizes, if the pathological process has not yet affected the sinuses of the gums. This method is painless; anesthesia is necessary to immobilize the pet. The advantage of laser stone removal is that there is no risk of damage to enamel and soft tissue.
2. Grinding – carried out with minor plaque. First, a special paste is applied to the teeth, which has a disinfecting and disinfecting effect. This paste helps even out tooth enamel. During the grinding process, partial removal of the enamel occurs and the gums may be injured. However, these complications are usually inevitable.
3. Manual method . The procedure is carried out with special instruments and is used in severe cases of the disease, if there are plaques and extensive growths.
4. Fluoridation is an additional step in the stone removal procedure that is recommended. The main task is to coat the crowns with a special varnish or gel containing sodium fluoride. Fluoridation reduces the increased sensitivity of dental tissue and has a strengthening effect on the enamel. In addition, fluoridation helps prevent the development of caries.
5. Polishing is the final stage of the procedure. After grinding, the enamel remains rough, which greatly increases the likelihood of the stone forming again. To prevent relapse, the enamel must be polished to a perfectly smooth state. Polishing is carried out using specialized pastes and brushes.

Ban on anesthesia. There are cases when it is not possible to use anesthesia - these are:

• old age of the pet - anesthesia can cause negative consequences, including death;
• kidney, liver and heart diseases;
• abnormalities in the functioning of the central nervous system;
• tendency to allergic reactions.

If there is a risk of complications that could negatively affect the health of the animal, the procedure is carried out in several stages.

Actions after the procedure. After removing the pathological formation, it is recommended to give the cat painkillers, follow a diet, serving light, warm food. Painkillers should also be given if necessary. Due to the risks of relapse in the future, the owner should carefully monitor the condition of the pet’s oral cavity.

Who is at risk?

The greatest risk of developing tartar occurs in the following cases:

• Siamese, Persian, Scottish and British fold cats. Some people who breed such breeds cross-breed related individuals, which significantly weakens the gene pool of their pets. As a result, such cats are more prone to diseases, in particular tartar.
• "Yard" animals. They have the greatest immunity, but are more susceptible to pathologies, since their living conditions do not meet standards and they are not cared for.
• Failure of metabolic processes in the body. Due to this disorder, too many salts and other elements begin to form in the saliva, which are deposited on the cat’s teeth in the form of plaque. These pets need to have their jaws cleaned much more often.
• Incorrect bite. It can be formed this way from birth or arise as a result of injury. Incorrect placement makes it difficult to completely remove plaque.
• Roughness of enamel. This phenomenon does not occur very often in cats, unlike in humans. This is not considered a pathological abnormality, but requires control by the owner.
• Poor nutrition. Nowadays, people feed their cats only the food that stores offer. Of course, they are made with the addition of vitamins and beneficial microelements, but cats cannot be fed only with them. Yard cats happily gnaw bones, eat grass, and chew the bark of branches. This is considered the best and natural process of brushing teeth.

Therefore, in no case should you follow your animals’ lead and give them only what they ask for. It is necessary to teach normal food from an early age. Proper nutrition will help keep cats healthy.

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