Consequences of Cat Tartar and Prevention Tips

1 Cat Tartar: Consequences and Prevention

I. What Tartar Does to Cats

The consequences of cat tartar are both complex and serious.

Plaque deposits on the whole tooth, especially where tooth meets gum. The many bacteria in plaque soften the flesh along the gum line and penetrate deep, seriously damaging enamel.

These bacteria penetrate not only gums but also dentin, causing holes or fractures; worse, they keep the mouth inflamed and destroy the fibers holding teeth, finally loosening and losing teeth.

A broken root left in the socket causes worse trouble—worsening inflammation, abscesses, severe pain. So owners must stress dental cleaning.

II. Preventing Cat Tartar

1. To prevent tartar, first brush regularly with cat-specific paste and brush, or damp gauze; never use human products—cats aren’t suited to them. Method:

Wet the cat toothbrush, apply paste; since tartar mainly deposits on the outer tooth surface, you needn’t open the mouth to brush the inner side—just gentle circular motions on the outer surface remove plaque.

2. Cats naturally clean teeth by mechanical chewing, so occasionally feed meat chunks to chew, or gently scrape tartar another way.

3. Feed less moist soft food. When buying cat food, choose high-meat-ratio kibble, not too soft or fine, because much tartar comes from soft food. Owners should note this.

Also, push the cat to drink often; water flushes minerals deposited in the mouth.

Summary: Cat tartar needs attention, as it causes tooth loss, gum recession, jaw recession and more. If you see yellow-brown deposits or obvious bad breath, take the cat for an oral check promptly. Brush and clean regularly and make it drink more to prevent tartar.