Where’s my gel? Photo by yeimaya
While 85% of all adult pets suffer from some sort of oral cavity issues, using dental gel for cats can prolong the life and health of gums and teeth. One of the most important things you can do to ensure that a cat reaches their fullest capacity is to follow a routine dental care program. As many owners approach the dental health of their cat, they often struggle with selecting the best products on the market. With easy application and effective results, a range of dental gel productsfor cats can provide the right amount of care that accompanies regular brushing.
In order to promote acceptable dental hygiene for cats, the goal is to establish a healthy mouth. Along with annual veterinarian checkups for the teeth and gums, an owner should follow proper maintenance at home with the help of specialized toothbrushes, diet changes, and dental gel for cats. The items needed for feline dental care is best determined by their age and temperament.
Common Feline Dental Concerns
When it comes to the medical issues pertaining to small animals, feline dental care is one of the most underrated of owner responsibilities. Cats are susceptible to an array of common dental problems, including periodontal disease, fractured teeth, and oral growths. A few lesser-known conditions affecting cats includes tooth resorption (TR) and gingivostomatitis. Typical feline ailments include:
Tartar Buildup: While cavities are common with humans, tartar buildup on cat teeth is the most frequent dental problem they face. Accumulated tartar causes gum irritation that develops around the base of teeth. Over time, the roots become exposed, which leads to gum infections and tooth loss.
Tooth Resorption: As your cat approaches their third birthday, they face a more than 50% chance of becoming a victim of tooth resorption. This condition involves lesions attacking teeth, which causes erosion where the tooth eventually disappears and becomes absorbed back into the cat’s body. TR causes the root structure to break down, followed by the enamel and the overall decay of the tooth. In the end, bone replaces the tooth most often where the gum joins the tooth surface. While tooth resorptions are found all over, it is the molars that are most vulnerable. Cats with tooth resorption may excessively salivate, bleed in the mouth, or face problems eating their meals.
Periodontitis: When gum disease has reached an advanced stage, periodontitis takes over and a veterinarian may prescribe dental gel for cats as an antibiotic approach. After a thorough cleaning of the affected region, a gooey dental gel for cats is squirted onto the diseased gum spaces using a small, specialized caulking gun. Once the gel is in position, it will harden and stay in place. Over the next two weeks, the gel will slowly dissolve, releasing an antibiotic that eliminates bacteria and promotes the healing of loosened gum tissue affected by infection. It is also the hope that reattachment is a success.
It is important for a cat to receive medical attention when they have periodontal disease because ignoring the problem permits harmful bacteria to accumulate in the oral cavity. The bacteria eventually spread throughout the rest of the body, which is carried along in their bloodstream. As a result, major organs become affected and begin to threaten the life of a cat.
Dental Disease: When a cat develops dental disease, they will suffer red, swollen gums that bleed; pain; bad breath; decreased appetite; tooth loss; tooth root abscesses; depression; and yellow or brown plaque deposits on the teeth. Plaque-reducing dental gel for cats is a daily treatment that is applied to the mouth. As it spreads across the teeth, enzymes work on the reduction of plaque production. Usually, flavored options make this process much easier
for pet owners.
Getting Cats Used to Dental Gel
Dental gel for cats is a method of protecting teeth that works with or without daily tooth brushing. The best time to introduce dental gel for cats is to start when the pet is young. This is when they are more likely to accept regular cleaning of their teeth. Dental care is advised to begin for cats when they have reached about three to four months old. A common trick to getting a kitten used to teeth cleanings is to gently rub and massage the inside of their mouth with a piece of gauze that is wrapped around the finger.
Examples of Dental Gel for Cats
In order to prevent dental tartar and disease is to regularly brush your cat’s teeth. While a daily regimen is ideal (and unrealistic), a minimum of three times per week is acceptable to combat the formation of tartar. Dental gel for cats is a great way to enhance the dental health of a feline. Below are a few examples of feline dental gels to consider:
OraZn Dental Gel: Made with neutralized zinc, this natural formula is tasteless and chlorhexidine-free. Instantly, fresh breath is the result, as this product works without the need to use a brush.
C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Gel: Easy application for this dental gel for cats comes with a “Dial-a-Dose Syringe.” With a thick consistency, the gel is able to stay in place on tooth surfaces for maximum benefit. Active ingredients include 0.12% Chlorhexidine and Zinc Gluconate. The product is useable with or without brushing.
DentAcetic Tooth Gel: This non-staining acetic acid tooth and gum gel for cats contains sodium hexametaphosphate, which works to degrease and brighten teeth. The anti-microbial properties of DentAcetic Tooth Gel are considered to create fewer side effects than other products on the market.
Logic Oral Gel: Dental maintenance is achieved with the use of this product, which works towards healthy teeth and gums, as well as fights bad breath odors.
Mavlab’s Dental Spray Gel: To elevate the oral hygiene health of cats, Mavlab’s Dental Spray Gel uses disinfectant powers to promote dental healthiness and fresh breath. It also aids in the control of common cat dental concerns, such as periodontal disease, scaling teeth, and gingivitis. Some owners use it as a supplement with tooth brushing, while others consider it a replacement.
Stomatologic Dental Max Gel: To prevent plaque and tartar buildup, Dental Max is used as a direct remedy or brushed on as toothpaste. Additional benefits include controlling bad breath and creating stronger tooth enamel. A cat is often willing to accept this treatment, as it is malt-flavored. A free fingerbrush accompanies the purchase of a 50ml tube.
Biotene Veterinary Maintenance Gel: With powerful enzymes, the daily maintenance of cat teeth is made easy with the use of natural enzymes, making it a product that does not require a prescription. The anti-microbial oral gel for cats and kittens was created for long-term use, which combats odor-causing bacteria; removes plaque; and eliminates inflammation, redness, dryness, and irritation. The clear gel protects teeth and gums without the use of damaging compounds. This product is suggested to use after using Biotene Veterinarian Antiseptic Oral Gel. Owners should apply a 1/2″ strip to the upper and lower gums two times per day
for the best results.
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