Unlike human toothpaste, this, therefore, doesn’t need to be rinsed out and is safe to swallow, meaning it can clean and protect teeth for longer. It also means brushing is not essential, although it’s still recommended for best results. Avoiding Harmful Ingredients Oxyfresh Water Additive: My cats drank up this cruelty-free, tasteless, odorless concentrate without noticing anything amiss in their water bowl. During the weeks that I added Oxyfresh to the water, I swear my cats' breath did seem to smell marginally better. However, Oxyfresh does not contain enzymes. Its primary ingredient, which the brand calls "oxygene," is made from sodium chlorite, a chemical water disinfectant, which the FDA approved in 2004 as a nontoxic antimicrobial agent for drinking water. Dental treats Feline Greenies Dental Treats are VOHC-accepted for the reduction of tartar and come in a variety of delicious flavors. Toothpaste or gel: Toothpaste or gel is the most important product in the feline oral health arsenal. When applied daily by toothbrush or spread on the teeth and gums by finger, toothpastes and gels can help prevent the buildup of biofilm and plaque that leads to periodontal disease.

Logic Oral Hygiene Gel | Oral Hygiene Gel for Cats and Dogs Logic Oral Hygiene Gel | Oral Hygiene Gel for Cats and Dogs

This toothpaste from beaphar is also enriched with a meaty flavour that ensures high acceptance, as the majority of dogs and cats love the taste! Thisbeaphar Toothpaste helps to make daily teeth cleaning child's play. Thebeaphar Toothpaste is made without fluoride, using a 2-fold systemthat strengthens the natural function of saliva and reduces plaque in cats and dogs. Thorough dental care helps to remove any remnants of food from between your pet's teeth. Additional ingredients in thisbeaphar Toothpaste help to combat bacteria and germs, which in turn helps to reduce caries and periodontosis as well as preventing tartar formation. There is no consensus among veterinarians about whether a diet made up primarily of wet food has a more negative impact on a cat's dental health than a dry food diet. While cats who chew their kibble may successfully break up some plaque, many cats actually swallow their kibble whole the same way they do wet food. "If you ask 10 veterinary dentists [which diet is better], you'll get four different answers," Snyder said. Zymox Oratene Brushless Enzymatic Oral Care Dental Gel: My cats liked the flavor of this dental gel and its enzymes should help prevent the buildup of bacteria and remove plaque. The manufacturer also advertises that their formula is extra-gentle, protecting mouth tissue against dryness — though I was unable to confirm this in my own testing. The product, however, has not undergone the process to earn a VOHC seal. Zymox Oratene Water Additive: This enzymatic water additive is tasteless and odorless and my cats drank it readily. However, as Snyder told us, looking at ingredients alone doesn't necessarily indicate that the formula is effective at promoting dental health. The thing that best confirms that is a VOHC seal, which Zymox Oratene doesn't have.There are a number of brands that sell dental treats, but the only way to ensure the one you're purchasing is effective is if it is VOHC-accepted. "Anything with a VOHC seal is going to have teeth behind it, with that treat shown scientifically to reduce plaque, tartar, or both," said veterinarian Christopher Snyder, clinical associate professor of AVDC oral and maxillofacial surgery at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. With that in mind, we selected Feline Greenies Dental Treats, one of the first feline products to earn a VOHC seal, as the best dental treat for cats.

Cat Toothpaste, Toothbrush, and Dental Treats in 2023 The Best Cat Toothpaste, Toothbrush, and Dental Treats in 2023

Wailani Sung, director of behavior and welfare programs, San Francisco SPCA , San Francisco, California Daily use of a feline toothpaste or gel is a cat's best defense against periodontal disease. Even when just smeared on a pet's teeth and gums with the finger, a veterinary-approved toothpaste can be beneficial. "It works not as well as teeth brushing, but it works better than not doing it at all," said veterinarian Andrea Moore, medical director at VCA Pinnacle Animal Hospital in San Jose, California. Utilising a multi-enzyme compound, the gel contains 5 natural enzymes and 2 antibacterial agents that help fight off periodontal disease and bad breath, acting as a supplement to your dog’s own natural saliva. Cats don't develop cavities, but they can develop holes at or below the gumline associated with resorptive lesions, a painful condition that erodes the tooth. Some types of tooth resorption have been linked to periodontal disease, but Snyder explained that vets don't have a good understanding of how the condition is triggered and why some cats suffer from it more than others. For more on tooth resorption in cats, read the next slide on common dental problems. Petsmile Toothpaste is hypoallergenic and contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphates, minerals that help to boost the strength of tooth enamel. It also contains potassium hydroxide, which neutralizes acidity to prevent tooth decay, and germ-fighting cetylpyridinium chloride. The formula is human-grade and free of BPAs, silica, sulfates, and parabens.

PET HEALTH ADVICE

Moore recommends brushing your cat's teeth daily with an enzymatic toothpaste and, if possible, introducing them to the practice while they are still young. "It's important to start as a kitten because kittens are more accepting," she said. If your cat won't tolerate a toothbrush, try smearing the paste or gel on their teeth and gum line with your finger. And with a recommended usage of 2-3 times per week, Beaphar keeps your dog’s oral hygiene programme a little more spread out, making teeth cleaning easier to fit around both of your busy schedules! Water additive: Water additives are highly concentrated solutions that contain plaque-fighting ingredients. When diluted with water, these formulas help minimize bacteria every time your cat takes a drink. Some can also be used as a food topper. Water additives are a good option for cats who resist tooth-brushing. In the absence of appropriate care, the progression of periodontitis causes gum recession and destruction of the tooth’s supporting structures. This may result in root exposure, abscess formation and teeth becoming loose or falling out. Advanced stages of periodontitis are IRREVERSIBLE and may require tooth extraction.