Cat Tooth Calculus Cleaning Methods

Cat Tooth Calculus Treatment

If a cat has tooth calculus, it is necessary to take it to the hospital for timely treatment. The treatment options include ultrasound teeth cleaning to remove the calculus. If tooth calculus is found in a cat but not treated, the mild symptoms may include bad breath, while the severe ones can lead to gum inflammation and even oral-nasal fistula. At this point, the treatment becomes more complex than just teeth cleaning.

Causes of Tooth Calculus

Long-term lack of oral care, such as not brushing teeth or using oral disinfectants; feeding the cat mainly with soft food that easily sticks to teeth, such as rice, cans, delicious packages, and boiled meats; and not having regular teeth cleaning every year. Tooth calculus is the result of long-term attachment of food residues, which are prone to bacterial proliferation, causing gum inflammation, tooth loss, and chewing disorders. Brushing teeth daily is the most effective in daily care.

Symptoms of Tooth Calculus

A cat with tooth calculus will have bad breath, and when the owner opens the cat's mouth, they can clearly see some brown-yellow calculi on the side walls of the teeth, and a black or yellow substance on the teeth. Mild tooth calculus can be controlled by oral care, such as brushing teeth regularly. Severe tooth calculus may affect the cat's diet and requires treatment at a pet hospital.

Harm of Tooth Calculus

As dental plaque accumulates, bacteria further decay the teeth, causing the gums to ulcerate. Meanwhile, the unstable jaw bones make it easier for bacteria to enter the body through blood vessels, affecting the functions of the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. This further causes periodontal disease, leading to gum recession, exposed roots, loose teeth, and pain or weakness while chewing. Elderly cats with accumulated tooth calculi are more prone to heart, lung, liver, and kidney diseases.