When it comes to pet care, dental hygiene is often overlooked, begging the question, should pet owners be brushing their pets’ teeth?
Elizabeth Mwangi, a veterinarian and the owner of The Cat Habitat in Nairobi, a boarding facility for cats, says that whether or not to brush your pet’s teeth depends on the circumstances.
Elizabeth, who has one cat, does not brush her own cat’s teeth.
“My cat feeds predominantly on a meat diet, and there is minimal development of plaque and calculus,” she says.
“The mechanical process of chewing kibble can help dislodge plaque, but it also depends on the composition of the food,” she says, adding, “If the dry food has a high carbohydrate content, the cat will still develop plaque.”
Even for professionals, brushing a cat’s teeth is no easy feat. Elizabeth recalls her early veterinary days when she was required to groom and brush clients’ cats’ teeth. “It was always an uphill climb. Most cats resist, even the calm ones. Only a few tolerate it.”
Despite the difficulty, she recommends brushing at least once a week.
“Not just to clean their teeth, but also to check for signs of oral disorders: bad breath, loose or discoloured teeth, and inflamed gums. It also allows for bonding time, though that depends on the cat’s temperament.”
“Some studies indicate a lower incidence of dental disease in brushed cats, while others show no significant difference,” Elizabeth notes. She adds, “Other factors, such as owner compliance and pre-existing dental conditions, play a role.”
If left unchecked, plaque can harden into calculus within days, requiring professional veterinary intervention.
“Brushing alone won’t remove calculus. If a cat already has dental issues, even regular brushing won’t reverse the damage. This is why a vet needs to check the cat’s oral health before you begin brushing your pet’s teeth.”
Elizabeth says it is best to use a “soft-bristled toothbrush, preferably a child’s toothbrush or one specifically designed for cats so that you don’t damage your pet’s gums. A gauze-wrapped finger can also be used to rub each tooth gently,” she says, adding, “You should only use pet-friendly toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste as it contains toxic ingredients for cats and dogs. If pet toothpaste is unavailable, you can also use a small amount of soda bicarbonate and mix it with water to make a little paste.”
“The recommended method would be to hold the head of your cat or dog firmly then you gently lift the lips and brush each tooth in a circular motion.”
Some pets are intolerant and cannot withstand brushing. Elizabeth says that there are alternatives to brushing.
“A well-balanced diet with an appropriate protein-to-carbohydrate ratio can help maintain oral health. Further, there are some special chewy treats that you can buy that will help remove plaque,” she says. “Even if you brush your pet’s teeth, it is still important to take it for dental checkups annually or biannually.
Dr Dennis Maube, a veterinary surgeon at Small Five Vet Clinic says that brushing your pet's teeth is included as part of the normal grooming package. He said, "Normally, it costs between Sh3,000 and Sh5,000.
However, dental scaling can cost Sh10,000 and above. Dental scaling is a medical procedure aimed at removing calculus from an animal's teeth. Normally, dental scaling must be recommended by the veterinarian."
