Cats are obligate carnivores, and their teeth are designed specifically for capturing, killing, and consuming prey. Cats have sharp canines and flat molars, all adapted to their meat-based diet. Though domestic cats no longer need to hunt, their dental anatomy remains similar to their wild ancestors. Modern cats usually have 30 teeth, including 12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars, and 4 molars. The importance of good dental health cannot be understated, as it is a paramount part of overall health and quality of life in cats.
The Importance of Dental Health for Cats
A cat's oral health is an important aspect of their overall well-being. One of the most common dental diseases in cats is plaque. Plaque is a sticky film composed of oral bacteria, food debris, and proteins from saliva that stick to the enamel of the teeth. Further on, this film then turns into tartar or calculus, which can gather on the enamel, especially near the gum lines.
As tartar accumulates, it generates spaces between the teeth and the gums, which promotes further bacterial and debris accumulation, causing inflammation and infection Known as gingivitis. This condition can worsen into periodontal disease, a medical condition that will lead to loss of teeth and destroy tooth-supporting structures.
A dental cat food diet has numerous benefits in keeping your cat's teeth clean. It will help reduce tartar and plaque formation, promoting the cleanliness of your cat's teeth and gums, as well as preventing periodontal disease development.
How Dental Cat Food Helps
Dental cat food is formulated to reduce the formation of plaque and tartar by mechanical cleaning. Many dental cat food formulas have kibbles specially designed to scrub off each tooth when the cat is chewing. This action removes the plaque before it hardens into tartar, so the cat's teeth stay cleaner. Such cat food for dental care has been proven to be very effective as opposed to feeding standard dry food.
As the cat chews his kibble, the abrasive texture works on the teeth, cleaning the surfaces of the teeth and removing plaque. This is essential because if left uncontrolled for several days, plaque can turn into tartar. Dental cat food helps prevent this from happening to your pet.
The Nutritional Structure of Dental Cat Food
Cat food for dental health includes special kibble with ingredients designed to help clean the teeth and promote oral hygiene. Sodium tripolyphosphate, for instance, was included because it binds salivary calcium and thus helps prevent tarter.
Zinc is an important ingredient for slowing down the rate of tartar formation and has antimicrobial properties that help reduce bad breath. Another prime ingredient is green tea polyphenols, known for their property to keep the gums healthy and fight the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Kibble size, texture, and shape are also structured to create a mild abrasive effect on the cat's teeth. The kibble acts to scrape the surface of your cat's teeth during chewing, which results in additional removal of plaque and tartar. This mechanical process is crucial in preventing the progression of dental problems and proves very effective when supplements like brushing or dental chews are added to the regimen.
Dental cat food typically has low controlled levels of protein and calcium, which limits the degree of mineralisation of the plaque. Increased fiber also helps remove food residue and bacteria on the surface of the teeth. Larger kibble pieces enhance chewing action, increasing the abrasive effect to better tooth cleaning.
Types of Dental Diets Available for Cats
There are several types of dental diets available for cats, each designed for specific dental issues. Here is a list of best cat food for dental issues:
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Dental S/O DSO 29:
This formula is exclusive for adult cats with frequent tooth infections and gastrointestinal disorders. The kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar formation while keeping a healthy digestive system.
Hill's Prescription Diet Feline T/D:
Hill's Prescription Diet Feline T/D cat food is suggested for cats with existing dental disease. The specialised kibble formulated in this cat food helps control plaque accumulation and risks associated with periodontal diseases. It thus contributes to healthy and firm gums by fostering the ordinary habit of better oral health.
These products support cats' dental hygiene, but it's important to consult your veterinarian before changing your cat's diet. Your vet can recommend the best dental cat food based on your cat’s specific needs, if they are prone to plaque, tartar, or other dental problems.
Is Wet Food Bad for Cats' Teeth?
While wet food is beneficial for supplying the hydration to the cat, it may not be the best when it comes to maintaining oral hygeine. Wet food does not have the same mechanical cleansing action as dry food or specialized dental cat food.
Wet food tends to stick to the cat's teeth, which can increase the likelihood of plaque formation. For cats with pre-existing dental problems, a mix of wet and dry dental food could be used, but brushing or some other dental care should be done daily to help maintain their oral health.
Additional Products to Support Cat Dental Care
Besides dental cat food, the following products can help promote the health and hygiene of your cat's mouth:
- Feline Dental Chews: These chews are designed to help clean your cat’s teeth. They are usually made with ingredients that support oral health, and their texture helps remove plaque. Adding these chews to your cat's diet may provide an easy way to promote healthy dental habits for your cats, while also appealing to their natural chewing instincts.
- Best Cat Dental Sticks: These are dental chews in the form of stick shapes that come in handy to help clean your cat's teeth as they chew on them. They are a great supplement to your cat's regular oral hygiene daily routine if they are not into brushing
- Best Wet Cat Food for Cats with No Teeth: If your cat has lost some of its teeth, you may have to consider switching to wet food. Always make sure to choose the best wet cat food containing low sugar and dental-friendly additives.
How to Remove Tartar from Cats’ Teeth
Regular use of dental cat food can prevent further buildup, but tartar that has already formed may need professional cleaning by your veterinarian. Regularly brushing your cat's teeth with a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste helps remove tartar. For those cats that may be more resistant to tooth brushing, dental chews from felines and cat dental sticks help remove plaque and tartar gradually.
Conclusion
Maintaining good dental hygiene is vital for your cat's overall health. Dental cat food, designed specifically to remove plaque and tartar, is an essential tool for supporting your cat's oral health. Along with daily brushing, regular dental checkups, and appropriate dental chews, can significantly reduce the risk of periodontal disease, helping your cat enjoy a healthier, more comfortable life.
Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best cat food for dental health and the best practices for keeping your cat’s teeth clean and free from tartar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental diets for cats?
Dental diets are specifically designed cat foods that ensure oral health through unique kibble textures and added nutrients that help in removing plaques and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth, supporting healthy gums, eliminating bad breath, thus preventing dental disease, and maintaining good overall oral health.
How do dental diets help with plaque and tartar buildup?
Dental diets work by providing an abrasive texture in kibble to gently scrub the teeth as your cat chews on it, thereby removing plaque and tartar buildup. These diets contain ingredients, such as sodium tripolyphosphate and zinc, to prevent the formation of tartar and to reduce bacteria growth.
Are dental diets enough for maintaining a cat’s oral health?
Dental diets alone are not enough for comprehensive oral care. Though they help minimize plaque and tartar, regular brushing will always be the most effective way of achieving and maintaining good dental health. Professional cleanings and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are also essential for dealing with advanced dental problems.
What are the benefits of using dental diets for my cat?
Dental diets will help prevent plaque and tartar from building up, cause bad breath to reduce, maintain healthy gums, and reduce bad oral hygiene. They are made to keep your cat's teeth cleaner, lower the chance of gum disease, and keep your cat's mouth orally healthy for longer periods.
Can I switch my cat to a dental diet on my own?
Any decision to change a cat's diet needs prior discussion with a vet. Your veterinarian will advise on the best diet that suits your specific cat, their age, and dental status, so the diet change is both safe and healthy.
How do I choose the best dental diet for my cat?
For a proper dental diet, consult your veterinarian. They will be able to decide the best food based on the dental condition and nutritional demands of your cat. Some of the most well-known dental diets include Royal Canin Feline Dental S/O DSO 29 and Hills Prescription Diet Feline T/D.
Do dental diets help with all dental issues in cats?
Dental diets can help in the prevention and management of plaque and tartar buildup, but they are not intended to solve all dental problems. A cat diagnosed with advanced periodontal disease, toothache, or other complex dental issues requires professional cleaning or dental surgery. Refer always to your vet.
Recent post