Why Annual Dental Cleanings Matter to your Cat
Just like humans, cats need regular dental care to maintain good oral health and overall well-being. A yearly dental cleaning is a proactive approach to keeping your companion minimise dental disease and pain in several ways:
Detect Problems Early: During a dental cleaning, your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your cat's mouth. Receiving this exam yearly helps ensure that problems are noticed quickly and treated promptly.
Sylvester.ai can help you and your vet find dental problems early. Sylvester.ai uses advanced machine learning to analyze a photo of your cat in real time and determine if they are showing signs of discomfort, which can indicate mouth or other pain.
Prevent Dental Disease: Gingivitis and periodontitis is very common in cats - it is estimated that up to 70% of cats will experience gingivitis during their lifetime. Gingivitis begins when plaque and tartar build, which can lead to gum inflammation and even tooth loss. Regular cleanings remove this harmful buildup and help prevent disease.
Reduce Risk of Other Health Issues: Dental disease can impact more than just your cat’s mouth. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs, potentially causing heart, kidney, and liver problems. Regular cleanings help reduce the risk of these issues.
It is also important to regularly check your cat for signs of pain and discomfort. Symptoms include:
Bad breath
Difficulty eating or chewing
Drooling
Pawing at the mouth
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Red or swollen gums
Loose or missing teeth
If you notice any of these signs, please contact your vet immediately.
“Cats with mouth pain may change the way they eat. They may hesitate before they eat or prefer smaller meals - returning to the bowl more over the day. You may notice that your cat prefers to soft wet food over dry kibble. Watch your cat eating and see if you notice any changes.”
Sylvester.ai can help you monitor your cat for signs of pain. Using the app to take pictures of your cat regularly can track symptoms over time and alert you to potential issues before they escalate. Try Sylvester.ai for free today!
