How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth and Why It's So Important

Dental disease can affect some cats by the time they’re three years old. That’s why your cat’s oral health is so important for their overall well-being, and this means regular toothbrushing. 

Keeping your cat’s teeth may help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause gum disease and tooth loss. Regular brushing also helps you find problems like broken teeth, lumps in your cat’s mouth, and changes to their gums. 

If you can teach your cat a toothbrushing routine, they may not need as many professional dental cleanings, which is good news for both of you!

When to Start Brushing Your Cat's Teeth

Kittens 

The best age to begin brushing your cat’s teeth is around six months old, after their adult teeth are fully in. This lets them get used to the process from a young age. 

Adult Cats 

If you didn’t have the chance to brush your cat’s teeth when they were little, you can still teach them later in their life. It just may take you a little longer. 

Consider having a veterinarian do a thorough dental cleaning before you tackle brushing their teeth at home. They can also check your cat’s oral health to make sure their mouth and teeth are healthy. Then you can take it from there! 

What You Need to Brush Your Cat's Teeth

Toothpaste 

Choose a toothpaste specifically designed for cats with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Approval. Human toothpaste contains fluoride, which isn’t good for your cat, and sometimes xylitol, which is actually toxic for them. 

Besides being safe, cat-specific toothpaste comes in flavors cats love, like poultry and seafood. They’re also usually designed with enzymatic formulas that fight bacteria even after you finish brushing. 

Choosing the Right Brush 

Next, choose a brush that best suits your cat’s needs: 

• Finger brushes: Consider using one if you have a kitten, small cat, or an anxious cat. Finger brushes give you maximum control, but they may not reach your cat’s back teeth. 
• Standard soft brushes: These toothbrushes reach all teeth. This is the way to go if your cat is comfortable with brushing. 
• Gauze or soft cloth: If your cat bristles at bristles, this is a good choice. You can wrap it around one of your fingers for gentle cleaning. 

How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth Step by Step

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, what’s the best way to get this new toothbrushing routine rolling? Let’s take a look. 

Step 1: Get Your Cat Comfortable with Mouth Handling 

The first thing to do is focus on making your cat as comfortable as possible. Gently lift their lips and touch their teeth and gums. Once they have the hang of that, put some toothpaste on your finger so they can investigate it. 

Keep these introductory sessions short. Reward your cat generously and regularly as they get used to the process. 

Step 2: Introduce the Toothbrush and Toothpaste 

Next you’ll need to help your cat get used to the idea of a toothbrush. See if they’ll taste toothpaste off of it. You want your cat to connect relaxation with a delicious (toothpaste) treat. 

Step 3: Begin Brushing in Small Sections 

To brush your cat’s teeth, first brush the canines (the pointy, sharp teeth used for tearing food) and the ones behind them (called the cheek teeth). Put a little toothpaste on the brush and, using gentle, circular motions, clean the outer surfaces of the teeth and the gum line. 

Stick with these two sets of teeth for a few days, and then gradually begin including others. 

Step 4: Expand to Full Brushing 

Once you’re brushing all of your cat’s teeth, continue to focus on the outer surfaces. Plaque builds up the most here, and your cat’s tongue does a good job getting at the inner surfaces. 

Lift your cat’s lips carefully. Don’t hold their mouth closed or force their jaw open. Be mindful of not putting the toothbrush too deeply into your cat’s mouth. The key is to be gentle. 

Step 5: Reward Your Cat 

Be generous with praise and treats after every brushing session. This way, you always end on a good note. If your cat has positive associations with toothbrushing, you’re more likely to have positive (and productive!) sessions. Consistency is key! 

How Often Should You Brush Your Cat's Teeth? 

Brushing every day is best, but we know life can get in the way. If everyday brushing simply isn’t possible, you should still get great results by brushing two or three times a week instead. Try to be consistent with whatever schedule you choose. 

What to Do Between Toothbrushing Sessions

Consider giving your cat dental treats and chews on the days you can’t brush their teeth. These treats are specifically designed with a hard texture that helps clean teeth, and chewing helps reduce plaque. 

Here’s another idea. If you usually feed your cat wet food, try switching to dry kibble for extra teeth-cleaning action. (Just remember to adjust portion sizes and transition slowly.) And always have fresh water available. It not only hydrates your cat, but it also rinses food particles from their mouth. 

Finally, if your cat will tolerate it, try adding dental-specific additives to their water or applying dental gel to their teeth. Both can reduce oral bacteria, so ask your veterinarian which is best for your cat. 

And, of course, it’s always a good idea to schedule regular professional cleanings. 

Tackling Common Challenges

It’s not uncommon for cats to resist toothbrushing, so don’t be worried if you run into some challenges along the way. You may be able to get your cat on board by making small adjustments.

If any of these problems persist, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian so they can check for any health issues and help you determine what to do next. 

Signs of Dental Problems in Cats

Your cat may have dental problems if you notice any of these symptoms: 

• Bad breath 
• Red or swollen gums 
• Visible tartar buildup 
• Drooling 
• Difficulty eating 
• Pawing at their mouth 
• A preference for soft food over hard food 

Cats are good at hiding pain, so you may miss the early stages of dental disease. This is why regular checkups with your cat’s veterinarian are so important. If you see any of the above signs, touch base with your veterinarian before you brush your cat’s teeth on your own. 

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