Cat owners often do not give too much thought to their cat's teeth. They assume, like most other things with cats, that the cat will take care of themselves and that their mouth will stay relatively clean and healthy. However, there are times when an appointment with a cat dentist is in order. Get to know some of the signs that you should take your cat to the dentist. Then, you can be sure to schedule a cat dentist appointment for your cat at the first sign that anything may be awry with your cat's oral health.
1. Your Cat Has Bad Breath
One of the biggest and most easily noticeable signs that your cat needs dental care is if they have bad breath. Bad breath or breath that you can smell from a ways away is a sign of potential problems in your cat's mouth. Bad breath could be a sign, for example, of gingivitis. Gingivitis is gum disease and can range from mild to severe. The worse your cat's breath, the more likely they have an issue such as gingivitis. So, if you notice some stinky breath, get your cat to the dentist as soon as possible.
2. Your Cat Has Trouble Eating Dry Food
If your cat usually eats dry food and suddenly is unable to do so, they may have a dental issue going on. Some cats will begin to refuse dry food and only eat wet food because their teeth hurt too much when eating more solid food. Because of the potential for dental problems when your cat becomes finicky about their food, you should pay the cat dentist a visit for a checkup just in case.
3. Your Cat Has Obviously Broken Teeth
If you catch a glimpse in your cat's mouth and you notice one or more of their teeth appear damaged or broken, it is time to go see a cat dentist. They can examine your cat's teeth and do X-rays to determine the extent of the damage and whether the damaged teeth need to be filed down or removed entirely.
4. Your Cat Stops Eating
Sometimes, when cats have dental problems, they will stop eating entirely. A lack of appetite or loss of interest in food can be a sign of many health issues in cats, but dental problems are among those issues. Get your cat to a veterinarian and/or a cat dentist right away to determine if their teeth are the culprit.
5. Your Cat Starts Drooling a Lot
If your cat starts to drool excessively, you may have a dental problem on your hand. As such, a trip to the cat dentist is in order if you notice this issue with your cat.
Now that you know some of the signs you should take your cat to the dentist, you can be sure you are taking the best possible care of your cat's oral health going forward.
