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It is reported that a staggering 50%–90% of cats over 4 years old have some form of dental disease. Most commonly, it is seen as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), tooth resorption (formerly known as feline oral resorptive lesions), and periodontal disease (a form of gingivitis). Introducing dental care as early as possible is the best way to prevent dental disease, and dental water additives are a great option—if not a Godsend—to cat owners in particular.
Is It Necessary to Clean My Cat’s Teeth?
While your cat may not think so, it is, and pet owners are responsible for this task. Their mouth is full of bacteria, and with all the food your kitty eats daily, this soon turns into plaque accumulation on the teeth. This cycle will continue, causing further, more severe problems if the mouth and teeth are not cleaned daily.
Prevention is vital to keeping your cat’s teeth healthy. It reduces the chance of your cat needing veterinary treatment further down the line. It’s harder (and more expensive) to correct dental problems than it is to prevent them.
- Bad or offensive-smelling breath
- Redness or a red line on the gum line
- Receded gums
- Broken or loose teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Teeth covered in tartar
- Not eating or having difficulty eating
- Reduced appetite
- Drooling and excessive salivation
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Signs of pain or any discomfort
- Pain in or around the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth, jaw, and cheekbones
Beginning a dental regime as soon as possible allows your cat to become used to this process. Simple acts such as opening their mouths and rubbing their gums when they’re young can normalize the process. In turn, these acts can be gradually increased to the gold standard of dental care—daily brushing.
Starting early reduces issues and fears your cat may have around dental care, making it easier and non-stressful as they get older. It is also helpful for you, as some pet parents find it tricky to fit consistent daily dental care into their routines later in their pet’s life. So, starting from the get-go is advantageous for you and your cat.
However, what does a pet parent do if they can’t get anywhere near their cat’s mouth? This is a very common question, as cats can sometimes be more challenging to handle than dogs, but there is a “hands-off” answer.
How to Clean My Cat’s Teeth Without Brushing
Brushing your cat’s teeth daily is the advised and preferred solution. Think of what your teeth would be like if you never brushed them for your whole life! If you are unsure what to do or how to use any of the following dental health options, discuss them with your veterinarian, and together, you can find the right combination for you and your cat.
- Dental water additives
- Dental chews
- Dental toys
- Dental sticks
- Mouthwashes or dental sprays
- Dental gels
- Feeding a dental diet
What Is a Dental Water Additive?
Dental water additives contain special ingredients to fight and remove bacteria, preventing plaque buildup on the teeth. A measured amount of the liquid (each product is different, so follow their guidelines) is added daily to your cat’s water. Be sure to use a fresh supply of water and additives daily, and don’t be tempted to add an extra bit, thinking it will help more.
Water additives are concentrated, and exceeding the advised amount is not recommended. Dental water additives are not as effective as brushing your cat’s teeth, but studies have proven that they reduce plaque and calculus in cats.
It’s worth noting that some professionals say water additives can lead to excess water consumption, which can be problematic if your cat has an underlying health condition like kidney disease.
Benefits of Dental Water Additives
- Convenient, simple, and easy to use
- Increases the chance of dental care being performed regularly
- Tasteless and odorless
- Helps reduce plaque and to control dental disease
- Helps freshen the breath
- Widely available
- Can be used alongside brushing or on its own
- Safe to use daily
Additional Health Benefits of Water Intake in Cats
We’ve explored the preventative treatment options for dental disease in cats, with water additives being one option to combat the issue. Still, it’s important to remember that plain water is a great preventative or aid in many other feline diseases.
They can include the following:
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Bladder stones
- Urinary tract crystals (urolithiasis)
Because hydration is so vital for cats, encouraging any additional water intake can be very helpful in allowing your cat to maintain proper hydration and fight other issues at the same time. Providing wet food can be an easy option, as can adding water to their food.
Furthermore, many cats love the fresh, flowing water that a cat fountain provides, and it can be another great option to keep your cat healthy and hydrated. The filtration systems in water fountains can further minimize the number of microbes and water contaminants your cat is exposed to.
Conclusion
Although brushing your cat’s teeth daily is the best option to maintain their pearly whites and is critical to good dental health, dental water additives are also a good idea, especially if your cat is uncooperative! With proven studies to support their claims and ease of use, dental water additives make an ideal and easy addition to your cat’s health routine. Even if it is the sole form of dental care, it is better than doing nothing.
Remember to have regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian, and if you are unsure which dental water additive to use, ask for their advice. Always check with your vet first before buying dental products to ensure they won’t negatively affect your pet.
Featured Image Credit: Punyaphat Larpsomboon, Shutterstock
