Dental Hygiene for Persians

Just as you need to have regular checkups with your dentist, your Persian needs to have regular dental checkups with his veterinarian. This is often part of the annual or bi-annual general exam that your veterinarian will give your Persian, and it is very important. Most veterinarians will simply look at the cat’s teeth to ensure that there are no problems there, but you can request an oral cleaning as well, and this is definitely something that you should do.

From the time that they are born, tartar starts to accumulate on the Persians teeth. This tartar will lead to gingivitis if it is not taken care of properly. It is best to start your Persian on a tooth care regimen when he is a small kitten, so that it is something that he becomes accustomed to. This is cleaning that you must do between exams at your veterinarian’s office.

You can actually purchase toothbrushes and toothpastes that are designed for animals, and particularly for cats. Most owners cannot floss their cat’s teeth, but a good brushing every two weeks or so is an absolute must. The toothpaste designed for animals is non-toxic, and can be safely swallowed, so you don't have to convince the Persian to rinse – which is a relief.

Never use toothpaste designed for humans – or any other dental hygiene product designed for humans – on your Persian. If you've never brushed cat’s teeth before, ask your veterinarian to show you how to do this.

If your Persian has a bad tooth, he could become very grumpy. His bad tooth will hurt him just as much as a bad tooth would hurt you... and everyone knows that the worst kind of pain is tooth pain. If a bad tooth is discovered, the veterinarian will either be able to fix the tooth, or remove the tooth.

You should check your Persian regularly for bad breath. If bad breath exists, this is often a sign that the teeth need to be cleaned. If you already regularly brush your cat’s teeth, take him in for a dental cleaning at your veterinarian’s office. If the bad breath still persists, this is a sign of a more serious problem, such as an infection. It could also be a sign of liver or kidney disease.

Unfortunately, many pet owners – especially cat owners – tend to overlook dental care for their animals. The chances are good that you paid a pretty penny for your Persian. Therefore, you really need to put some thought and consideration into his dental hygiene – for his comfort, happiness, and general good health.