How to Remove Cat Tartar

There are two main methods for removing cat tartar: brushing and ultrasonic scaling. First, if the cat's tartar is not severe, you can try regularly brushing the cat's teeth or using a tartar control gel. Secondly, if the cat's tartar is severe and the gums are red and swollen, it is necessary to take the cat to the veterinary hospital for professional ultrasonic scaling. The cat still needs to be brushed regularly after scaling. In addition, if your family feeds soft food, you can switch to dry cat food, which can help the cat clean its teeth while chewing, and remove tartar and plaque through friction.

1. Regularly brush the cat's teeth

If the cat's tartar is mild, the owner can choose a cat-specific toothpaste and toothbrush to brush the cat's teeth. It is generally recommended to start by brushing the cat's incisors and canines, and then brush the posterior teeth after the cat becomes accustomed. After a period of persistence, the cat's tartar will improve significantly. Meanwhile, owners can cultivate the habit of brushing the cat's teeth when the cat is young. Since cats are carnivores, if the owner does not brush the cat's teeth promptly after eating meat, the cat is likely to develop tartar.

If the cat has a gentle personality and is obedient, you can also choose to apply a pet dental gel directly on the teeth, which is easier for the cat to adapt to and remove tartar. If the cat has never brushed its teeth or hates brushing, you can apply the toothpaste on the teeth. The cat will lick its mouth, achieving the same effect as brushing. Additionally, you can use pet dental water and add it to the drinking water.

1. Ultrasonic Scaling

If the cat's tartar is severe, and regular brushing cannot clean the tartar thoroughly, the owner needs to take the cat to the veterinary hospital for ultrasonic scaling and regularly brush the cat's teeth after the procedure.

Due to the need for general anesthesia during the scaling procedure, preoperative checks are required to determine the cat's tolerance to anesthesia. If the cat is not suitable for general anesthesia, necessary oral care should be provided. Also, the owner needs to fasting the cat for 10 hours before the surgery and 4 hours without water. During the scaling process, keep the cat's head below its body to prevent water from being inhaled into the lungs and causing aspiration pneumonia.

1. Feed Dry Cat Food

If your family feeds soft food, you can switch to cat food. Cat food has a unique particle shape that helps the cat clean its teeth while chewing, removing tartar and plaque through friction. Therefore, cats with tartar can try to make dry cat food their daily mainstay. Additionally, you can add mouthwash or dental gel to the cat's food to help remove tartar.

Note: Cat tartar requires timely treatment because bacteria below the gum line produce toxins. When tartar and plaque are severe, the cat may develop oral ulcers, gum inflammation, and mouth inflammation. The cat may show signs of loss of appetite, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, gum abscesses, bloody saliva, and even tooth loss. Untreated tartar can also lead to heart, liver, and kidney disease.