Teeth brushing

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Shenandoah

Shenandoah

Member Since 2015
How many here brush their kitties' teeth?

I just got some CET cat toothpaste, which comes with both a finger brush and another little brush thing.
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00076NO0U?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20

I let them sniff the toothpaste first, and both were indifferent about it - didn't try to lick it, but didn't turn up their noses, either.
But then I tried to open their mouths a bit, and let's just say this was even less successful than our first try at home testing BG!

My civvie is the worst. He clamps his lips down, and pushes my hand away with his paws (which always seem to find their way up over my hands no matter how I try to hold him).

I just took small steps. After I touched the brush to one tooth on each side of the mouth I let them go. Hopefully we can do a little more tomorrow. I used the little brush thingy on the left in the picture in my link. Any tips if that's better, or if the fingerbrush is (the fingerbrush just seems so big for their little mouths), or should I get one of the ones that look more like a mini human toothbrush?

Does anyone have any tips?

And I know it's recommended to brush their teeth, and it seems tooth problems are one of the most common reasons for them to come out of remission, but do people here actually do it? Is it really worth it? Can you make enough of a difference to actually prevent tooth problems?
That was one of the benefits of dry food - it helped keep their teeth clean -- my sugarcat actually had excellent teeth during the same vet visit as she got her DX last November. But now that we're on wet food I'm more concerned about it.
 
Dry cat food actually does nothing to clean their teeth. There are all kinds of articles dispelling that myth (but our vets still spread it!) Here are a few:

http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/does-dry-food-clean-the-teeth/
http://www.catbehaviourist.com/dental-care-for-cats.html
http://feline-nutrition.org/answers/answers-what-dry-food-does-to-your-cats-teeth

One of the things we recommend here is once your cat has had a good dental cleaning (which includes pre and post dental x-rays), brushing is probably the best thing, but what also works well is to get your cat to "gnaw" on raw meat, just like it would if it were still hunting and eating live prey.

Chicken gizzards, hearts, livers and chunks of meat of any kind help because the natural act of "gnawing" helps to scrape the plaque off the teeth. Chicken wings, turkey necks and other small RAW bones are also helpful

Unfortunately, it can take a lot of time and patience to convince our carnivores that raw food is edible!! It's a total different texture which some cats take to readily...and others think we're trying to poison them
 
So when brushing what can be used as toothpaste?
I have both C.E.T and Sentry Petrodex, but just noticed tonight that C.E.T contains Sorbitol, Dextrose and Glucose Oxidase?
and the Sentry contains Sorbitol and Dextrose.
Are these acceptable?
 
Ok, will try that. Might stop them trying to eat the paste and actually make "brushing" easier and last longer.
I can't use the toothbrush, too awkward and the finger thingy is just too big,
so I just wrap a piece of panty hose over my finger and rub lightly, I find I have more control using my finger.
Our Vet told me the panty hose is slightly abrasive and is better than nothing.
 
Agreed with @Chris & China
After attending a million progressive veterinary conferences on species appropriates foods it is widely accepted that dry food does nothing for teeth or gums. The example that was used was "so if you eat granola you do not need to brush your teeth" LOL
By the time it gets to the gums it is mush-
there are some great products you can put in the water that helps to disintegrate the bacteria on the teeth .
Ark Naturals makes a good one
I just got another brand I will have to post later as I cannot think of the name. It is actually a powder you put on the food and it is good for the tummy as well.
There are some liquids to add to the water but I have not found one with zero taste so I do not carry them.
If you do add anything to water always have a fresh bowl out with nothing in it as well just in case the cat detects it and refuses to drink. I personally drank the Ark Naturals and could not taste it. My clients report that the Ark Naturals helps.
 
@jayla-n-Drevon is it the Ark Naturals plaque zapper you're referring to? Also interested in the other one you mentioned.
I'm trying to keep on top of dental health and would love some input along with Shenandoah's mom.
 
Liz & IttyBit said:
@jayla-n-Drevon is it the Ark Naturals plaque zapper you're referring to? Also interested in the other one you mentioned.
I'm trying to keep on top of dental health and would love some input along with Shenandoah's mom.
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Hi :)
yes breath zapper--I will find the other one I have to contact my sales rep... I gave a month sample to a client and waiting for her report--(it has only been a week or so) but the one I forgot the brand has the blue algae that is SOO good for so many things-
with the zapper I wipe the teeth a few times a week to get the soft build up off--
 
Liz & IttyBit said:
How do you do this? Do you also add it to their food?
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the plaque zapper is kind of like crushed aka seltzer--it fizzes for a few seconds then is just water with enzymes to break down tarter. 2-3 times a week a soft cloth to run over the teeth if kitty allows to get off any soft bacteria. I do want to add if the teeth are in bad shape (lots of tarter or gum disease) nothing will replace a dental cleaning but for cats that are not candidates for dentals or after a dental it is a great way to keep the teeth in good shape.
If you decide to get the zapper the large and small are the same product just more in the large for about the same price. If you get the large and use less and keep sealed you will save money. As soon as I talk to my rep I will get the name of the other one--I think it is more expensive but I know I was impressed with the ingredients.
 
jayla-n-Drevon said:
I have never heard it called that-
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Different product - the plaque off is a seaweed-based powder if I remember right that you add to food. I really couldn't say for sure that it helped, but I do know this is the first time that I've ever been told Regan needs a dental and she's almost 13 (her teeth were perfect at her previous check-up and there's just a little tartar on a couple of her back teeth now).
 
Ok, so if I'm understanding you correctly, you mix it with water and dip a cloth into it and rub cloth over teeth?
And it's ok for a diabetic?
 
manxcat419 said:
Different product - the plaque off is a seaweed-based powder if I remember right that you add to food. I really couldn't say for sure that it helped, but I do know this is the first time that I've ever been told Regan needs a dental and she's almost 13 (her teeth were perfect at her previous check-up and there's just a little tartar on a couple of her back teeth now).
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some vets are a bit too happy about dentals--I have done scaling for my vet without anesthesia and got most of it off with my finger nail-
My boys could use a dental--never had one either and they are 16 and 17
I am not taking the risk with FD and CRF-
 
jayla-n-Drevon said:
some vets are a bit too happy about dentals--I have done scaling for my vet without anesthesia and got most of it off with my finger nail-
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I've held off for a month because she came in with a slightly low T-4 level as well. We wanted to make sure that that wasn't dropping and that her other blood work stayed level before we thought about doing anything that required anesthesia. Her T-4 is still 0.1 low, but it isn't moving so they think it might actually be normal for her as all her other blood work is right in the middle of normal range. That said, I'm kind of thinking that as she doesn't have any health issues and is almost 13, it might be as well to get it done now rather than wait until it does turn into a major problem as by then she could be 15 or 16 and I won't want to do anesthesia with her at that point. :/
 
Liz & IttyBit said:
Ok, so if I'm understanding you correctly, you mix it with water and dip a cloth into it and rub cloth over teeth?
And it's ok for a diabetic?
Click to expand...
Ideally you put it in the water for them to drink daily--a few times a week I would wipe the teeth to eliminate soft tarter from the enzymes in the product loosening it up. You do not have to wipe them I just think it helps rid of bacteria.
I am going to check--honestly until Drevon was DX I never had anyone ask and we have had no issues but let me check that and the other product.... I will probably talk to my rep Monday.
 
manxcat419 said:
I've held off for a month because she came in with a slightly low T-4 level as well. We wanted to make sure that that wasn't dropping and that her other blood work stayed level before we thought about doing anything that required anesthesia. Her T-4 is still 0.1 low, but it isn't moving so they think it might actually be normal for her as all her other blood work is right in the middle of normal range. That said, I'm kind of thinking that as she doesn't have any health issues and is almost 13, it might be as well to get it done now rather than wait until it does turn into a major problem as by then she could be 15 or 16 and I won't want to do anesthesia with her at that point. :/
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I wish I had it done when they were younger and no health concerns. I was thinking to get Drevons done at a specialty center but I am so afraid--not only the FD but he gets fluids daily as well-if he was 13 and no kidney issues I would probably go for it with a specialty clinic where they monitor everything.
 
jayla-n-Drevon said:
I wish I had it done when they were younger and no health concerns.
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That's why I'm thinking of doing it now...she might never get any health concerns, but if she does and I haven't done it. :( I'm hoping that once will be enough for her as she hasn't had any need for one all this time.

jayla-n-Drevon said:
I was thinking to get Drevons done at a specialty center but I am so afraid--not only the FD but he gets fluids daily as well-if he was 13 and no kidney issues I would probably go for it with a specialty clinic where they monitor everything.
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Yeah, Rosa really needs her second one doing (her first one was 2 years ago). But with the diabetes and the CKD...and we're still trying to get the meds calibrated for that. The only way I'd feel I can do it is with the ER vet because of the different type of anesthesia they use - and because they're very used to dealing with delicate cats from their ER work (don't tell Rosa I said she's delicate - she's convinced she's as tough as can be! ;) ). And that's going to be expensive. Again, if she was 16, I'd probably say no, but she could finish up in pain for quite some time if I don't go ahead with something for her.
 
So I have to brush my amazing cat's teeth because he has had to get a couple shots in his mouth for preventing the gum disease or what-have-you but mainly because his breath is so much more than atrocious I kid you not but it always has been...I digress, apologies. But I just wanted to let you know that what is actually working for me . I be honest when I tell you I don't know which is worse taking blood for his reading or brushing the flippin teeth. Anyway I started using the little dental brushes that people use to floss and I attached a picture so that you can see them . They work like a charm
55634._AC_SL1500_V1431382385_.jpg 55634._AC_SL1500_V1431382385_.jpg 1456689049958-1624402129.jpg
 
cmarie787 said:
So I have to brush my amazing cat's teeth because he has had to get a couple shots in his mouth for preventing the gum disease or what-have-you but mainly because his breath is so much more than atrocious I kid you not but it always has been...I digress, apologies. But I just wanted to let you know that what is actually working for me . I be honest when I tell you I don't know which is worse taking blood for his reading or brushing the flippin teeth. Anyway I started using the little dental brushes that people use to floss and I attached a picture so that you can see them . They work like a charm
View attachment 18914 View attachment 18914 View attachment 18915
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I use the gel when I brush teeth at my grooming shop--it does have a nice smell. I was not sure of the ingredients....
For those whose cats refuse brushing you can use the gel and wipe the teeth with this....
I was going to check the ingredients when I get back to work this week-
@cmarie787 is this ok for diabetics?? any fruits or sugars?
 
ok--I have some info-

the Ark naturals I am not so sure is good for a diabetic
It has maltodextrin in it and the glycemic index is 130..... table sugar in comparison is 65-
Maltodextrin is derived from corn-rice or potato starch.
This is coming from the lit from my dist.... the cray thing is that it is a "inactive" ingredient.

I am waiting for a reply on the others....
 
after some research I found this--
I have this and will try it and let you know how it goes..... I am not sure if you have to get from your vet or not (I have been a tech for my vet so I have it handy) I will try it this week but I am not squirting it in mouth--I will use a saturated cotton ball.

Chlorhexidine is the most effective anti-plaque antiseptic. Chlorhexidine binds to the oral tissues and tooth surfaces, and is gradually released into the oral cavity. Chlorhexidine oral rinses or gels are safe for pets and rarely cause problems. The rinse is applied by squirting a small amount inside the cheek on each side of the mouth. The gel is smeared onto the side of the teeth or applied as a tooth-paste on a tooth-brush or finger brush. Many cats object to the taste of this product, while others accept it with no difficulty.

Several dental-specific diets have been shown to be of benefit in retarding accumulation of dental plaque and tartar cats. Some employ a specific kibble design and others include a chemical anti-tartar poly-phosphate ingredient. Although they may be of value, there is little publicly-available information documenting the dental value of chew products for cats.
 
Just to make people aware, Chlorhexidine can and does cause staining of the teeth in humans (removable by professional polishing). I don't know if it's something that also occurs in cats, or even if it's something that would bother you. Maybe just something to be aware of in case it does happen - that way you'll at least know what the likely cause is.
 
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