Veterinary dentists agree that the biggest concern most cat parents express about professional cat dental cleaning regards anesthesia. Black gums or red, inflamed gums. Beyond teeth cleanings, your cat will also need to be anesthetized for dental X-rays and, if necessary, polishing and removal of diseased teeth. Risk of infection after the procedure. PROS OF PET TEETH CLEANING UNDER ANESTHESIA INCLUDE: – Thorough removal of dental plaque and tartar. Without anesthesia, it is thus virtually impossible to clean dogs’ and cats’ teeth. PROS AND CONS OF DEEP SCALING: Scaling & root planing (SRP) usually requires local anesthetic to be performed comfortably. The most effective ways to keep pet’s teeth clean are: Regular brushing. Anesthesia eliminates most of the stress and makes teeth cleaning a completely painless procedure. It’s affordable pet dental care with 10% off basic dental cleanings and 50% off any necessary dental x-rays. 3. Vets agree that the only way to pull off a true cat teeth cleaning is with a little help from general anesthesia. Fax: (916) 624-8480, Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Although not feeling the procedure is a significant advantage for most people, local anesthesia does have some risks and disadvantages, with which patients should be familiar. Also, the progress of veterinary medicine including anesthesia in the recent years further reduced the risk of complications. True — but with some reservations. To reduce the risk of complications to the minimum and ensure that anesthesia doesn’t pose a health threat to the animal, every pet is examined and evaluated for their health status and physical condition before being anesthetized. They just can’t tell us where it hurts. Back to Blog Bones can be too hard for teeth, causing dental fractures, and they can splinter into sharp edges. Bemix Pets Ultimate Toothbrush Kit (24-Pack) If you're trying … It will help your cat stay healthy and possibly extend his lifespan. You’ll first want to get your cat used to the idea of having his teeth touched. Both the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and the AVMA have formally condemned the use of non-anesthetic dental cleaning. Having said that brushing your pets teeth serves the same purpose as brushing your own. Finally, use a bit of toothpaste with the toothbrush. Certain cats or cat breeds are more prone to conditions like severe gingivitis, or the chronic inflammation of the gums that worsens over time. Raw food diets are increasing in popularity, so let’s explore the pros and cons of a raw food diet for your cat. Keep an eye out for the following signs and symptoms of feline gum disease, courtesy of PetMD: If you’ve had a bad toothache, you know how all-consuming the pain can be. 5) Kong Toys – Pros: Reusable, natural rubber, durable, non-staining (unless you stuff it with Peanut Butter), no odor, long lasting, good variety of sizes, Cons: Can be chewed into smaller pieces, many dogs don’t like them unless they are stuffed, and uncertain of true dental cleaning benefit due to soft and smooth texture. It is very important to have healthy teeth because if the bacteria grow out of control, it can cause other serious illnesses. Sunday: Closed, © 2021 Rocklin Road Animal Hospital. At least not as thoroughly as necessary. After a few times with just touch, introduce a small amount of cat-specific toothpaste onto your cat’s lips. How To Keep Cats From Scratching Furniture. Cat dental disease is very painful. Dry cat food cleans a cat’s teeth no better than crackers or cereal clean a human’s teeth. But deep cleanings have risks too. SIDE EFFECTS; Sensitive teeth for a while. Pros and cons of permanent dentures. This means we feel that doing the procedure will have a beneficial impact on the overall health of the patient. It is impossible to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar if the animal is not anesthetized. Pain and sensitivity are the most common side effects. Pros: Clean teeth, better overall health, good dental hygiene; Cons: Side effects associated with anesthesia (that could be as serious as death), expense (anywhere between $70 and $250) Well, if that wasn’t enough to get your attention… Let’s look at the pros and cons in depth, so you can come to an informed decision about your dog’s dental health. Even though the so-called anesthesia-free dental cleaning claims to be just as effective (but a lot safer and less expensive), it isn’t an alternative to dental cleaning under anesthesia. TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive. A teeth cleaning is one of the easiest ways to help keep your cat healthy—if you go about it the right way. Pros of out-of-pocket dental care When you pay out of pocket for dental products and services, there are no limitations placed on where or when you visit the dentist, or what services you receive. I know a dental cleaning would be best but money is tight at the moment and I’m extremely worried about putting her … If you notice any of the above signs in your cat, get to your vet right away. In either case, regular teeth cleaning is necessary and teeth extractions are more common. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to painful tooth resorption, or when teeth sink back into the diseased and receding gums until the body eventually reabsorbs the tooth. Purchase a basic feline oral hygiene kit, which should contain a small cat-specific toothbrush, cat-specific toothpaste, some cotton swabs, and possibly some salt and water. Rare cases of nerve damage . Most cats simply don’t tolerate having their teeth brushed, scaled, or otherwise inspected at home. Use a finger or a cotton swab to gently press on your cat’s teeth and gums to ease into this. – Thorough removal of dental plaque and tartar. Many proponents of teeth cleaning for cats will argue that the benefits to your cat dental health far outweigh the risks, and it is true that the risks are minimal. In October and in February. pain and sensitivity. Even though the so-called anesthesia-free dental cleaning claims to be just as effective (but a lot safer and less expensive), it isn’t really an alternative to dental cleaning under anesthesia. With a few proactive measures and consistent observation, many pet owners find that they will rarely have to deal with a cat teeth cleaning. Bleeding gums. Time and effort are also big considerations. Slight pain. The risk that his heart may stop under anesthesia is a real risk, it's true. Stained teeth. 4730 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, CA 95677 You need to balance your obvious desire to give your cat what’s best with their finicky needs. Antibiotics provide transient improvements by decreasing bacterial plaque burden, but long-term use promotes bacterial resistance. If … Now he can begin to adjust to the taste. Unfortunately, anesthesia isn’t entirely risk free. Bleeding (from the mouth or nose), sometimes spontaneously, Eating on one side of the mouth or moving food around in the mouth. First, it is very uncomfortable and second, they don’t know that it’s for their own good. Sometimes, though, a dentist will recommend deep teeth cleaning. Without your pet going under anesthesia, there is no possible way to clean the inside surfaces of the teeth or below the gumline. Besides the stress due to prolonged restriction, an animal that is not anesthetized may also experience severe psychological stress because they don’t understand what is going on. Can I Change This? COST OF TEETH CLEANING : Teeth Cleaning includes minimizing the regrowth of bacteria in the mouth. The good news is that complications are extremely rare. As a result, the disease can quickly spread to the tooth root or in the bone which can be very expensive to treat. In the end, you have to decide whether you want to get a cat or not. There is a lot food for thought here. Pros: VOHC-accepted and veterinarian approved, cats loved the flavor as much as other dental treats, large round kibble squeegee teeth clean to prevent plaque buildup, sodium … . Anesthesia always poses some risk of complications and it’s completely normal to be concerned about your pet’s safety. I took her to the vet and he said she has tartar build-up. All Rights Reserved, A teeth cleaning is one of the easiest ways to help keep your cat healthy. About a month ago I noticed she lost 2 teeth. You may have even been asked to brush your cat’s teeth daily… a daunting-sounding task, to say the least! Discuss all the pros and cons with your cat's vet. – Less expensive in the long term. Cats can develop dental problems just like people can. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian. Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance ... a sensitive stomach and several abscessed teeth over the years. Plaque accumulation below the gumline is what can actually cause serious overall health problems. This is an opportunity for pet owners to provide high quality dental for cats and dogs, and not break the bank doing it. Did you read this entire thread? Also, without anesthesia, the veterinarian can’t make a thorough exam of the mouth, throat and tongue or perform other dental procedures. Most cats simply don’t tolerate having their teeth brushed, scaled, or otherwise inspected at home. Here’s what you need to know about deep cleaning teeth, including the disadvantages of this procedure. Deep cleaning teeth helps get rid of bad breath and promotes healing of gum disease. BUY ON AMAZON. For pet owners, cat teeth cleaning tends to fall into the same category as cat baths: a good idea in theory, but a clawing, hissing disaster in reality. This is because in anesthesia-free dental cleaning, the bacteria that cause periodontal disease are not removed from below the gum line. Copyright: © Automated Pet Care Products. possible infection if you have a compromised immune system. Also, a dental cleaning for a healthy cat with minimal tartar and no other oral problems will be much cheaper than a cleaning for a cat that has severe periodontitis, several loose teeth in need of extraction, or kidney disease that requires additional anesthetic monitoring and support. This is where deep cleaning your teeth comes in. If you feel you’re up to the challenge of actually brushing your cat’s teeth at home, follow these tips: Simpler solutions to practicing good oral hygiene at home include providing your cat with chew toys, a healthy diet of both wet and dry food, and dental treats like Greenies. Have you ever had an abscessed tooth or serious gum disease? Hello everyone. Although these dentures are a more expensive option, they last longer than their alternatives. The last but not the least important, dental cleaning can be very uncomfortable and even painful. In general, if we recommend a procedure that requires general anesthesia, it is not an elective procedure. However, the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and the majority of veterinarians agree that its benefits far outweigh the risks. Treats. The greatest risk is in the fact that any cat who goes in for a cat teeth cleaning will have to be put under general anesthesia. However, just because the task of cat teeth cleaning seems nigh impossible doesn’t mean it’s not an important consideration in your cat’s overall health. Dry food helps to keep a pet’s teeth clean. – Less stress and discomfort for the animal. No dog or cat will allow teeth cleaning without anesthesia unless being physically restrained. Choosing the right diet for your cat is an incredibly difficult decision. The annual visit to your vet isn’t the only time someone should be paying attention to your cat’s oral health. Here at Rocklin Road Animal Hospital we have a technician who’s only job is to monitor the patient while they are under for the procedure. The truth is, it is purely cosmetic, and the pet may have benefitted very little. "All in all, we've gotten more out of pet health insurance than we put in," Roubitchek says. First Benefit: Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of bad breath. My Cat Sleeps All Day and Plays All Night. We are your resource for all things cat and all things Litter-Robot: tips and tricks, health and humor, and general feline fun. Learn the pros and cons of deep dental cleaning. Meow do you do? (Across from Sierra Community College), Phone: (916) 624-8255 Your veterinarian will check your cat’s oral health during annual visits, but there may come a time where your cat requires an appropriate cleaning. The Benefits of Anesthesia Outweigh the Risks. You may have even been asked to brush your cat’s teeth daily… a daunting-sounding task, to say the least! Your pet’s mouth may appear clean but it is not! For pet owners, cat teeth cleaning tends to fall into the same category as cat baths: a good idea in theory, but a clawing, hissing disaster in reality. The most common question we are asked regarding dental cleanings is about the safety of general anesthesia. pros of pet teeth cleaning under anesthesia include: Thorough removal of dental plaque and tartar. We can conclude from the previous analysis that there are many pros and cons of getting a cat. Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm you go about it the right way. Foul breath. Can be cleaned while in the mouth, just like natural teeth. As you may know deep teeth cleaning is very useful for your cat’s oral hygiene and you should do it almost every 10 to 12 months. Risks from deep cleaning are usually minimal and only last about 5 to 7 days, though for extensive cases, this may extend to a few weeks. “There is some truth to that,” Dr. LeVan says. However, special dental diets that contain the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal have been proven to support dental health and keep the teeth cleaner. Feeding a cat only wet food is not bad for the teeth. This is especially true for the area below the gum line where plaque is causing the greatest harm. However, make sure that you evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of owning a cat so that you can make your decision in … Chances are, when you adopted your kitten you were told to practice oral hygiene care. My 11 year old cat has been diagnosed with diabetes for 2 years now. Permanent dentures last the longest and provide the most durability. If and when that time arrives, though, remember to check with your vet before you decide to start acting as dental hygienist to your cat! Pros. Or in severe cases, your cat may need some teeth extracted from time to time. Give your cat a gentle, yet thorough brushing. A cat with mouth pain has very poor quality of life. All cats should have their teeth brushed daily, or at least several times a week, with a pet-safe … When it comes to the costs of this procedure I can’t tell you exact price because it varies from vet to vet. It may even be designed to slip over your finger, to facilitate use and help stimulate your cat’s gums. Powered by LifeLearn Veterinary Websites, Pet Teeth Cleaning Under Anesthesia – Pros and Cons. But what kind of life does he have now. Professional Teeth-cleaning makes your dentist detect early signs of cavity, decay or nerve problems. Signs that you might need a deep cleaning include bleeding gums, receding gums, and loose teeth.Although a deep cleaning — also called periodontal scaling or root planing — is common, it has its risks. Loose teeth. Pawing at the mouth and face. What is more, it can cause more harm than good. The Best Toothbrush Set For Newbies. Cons. According to the AVDC, non-anesthetic dental cleaning can be traumatizing to pets who need to be forcefully restrained during an uncomfortable, even painful, procedure. Cat teeth cleaning may need to become a more frequent part of your routine. If you’re looking to freshen your dog’s … This is due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Anesthesia is quite safe for most cats, barring those with certain medical conditions like hyperthyroidism (which your vet will note). A professional dental cleaning will transiently remove plaque, but tooth brushing to prevent daily accumulation is not feasible in most cats due to severe pain. Your dogs teeth and oral health are exceedingly important for a long and healthy life. Like most of us, our pets are not exactly thrilled about a dental either. Although anesthesia-free dental cleaning is supposed to be less expensive, in the long term, it can cost you much more than having your pet anesthetized. I want to share my experience about deep teeth cleaning for cats. Pros: Some dental treats have been shown benefit a dog’s dental health and are fully digestible. There’s a long-standing belief that dry food is better than canned food for dental health because it helps to scrape off tartar. What is more, it can cause more harm than good. Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance to understand both the benefits and risks of pet teeth cleaning under anesthesia. “As long as the preoperative blood work is normal and the heart and lungs are normal, the risk of death from anesthesia is … Cons: Rawhide can be high in calories and can pose a problem if your dog swallows it whole. Home: Solution Center: Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance . Warning signs that your cat is living with gum disease include: Reluctance to eat or groom. Even though the so-called anesthesia-free dental cleaning claims to be just as effective (but a lot safer and less expensive), it isn’t really an alternative to dental cleaning under anesthesia. Brushing pet’s teeth daily will remove plaque before it can mineralize into tartar. Chances are, when you adopted your kitten you were told to practice oral hygiene care. Next, incorporate the cat-specific toothbrush.