Gingivitis Treatment

When I got Cammy spayed at the HS, the sheet they gave me with her little examination results said she had gingivitis. I was wondering what I should to to keep it from getting out of hand. I've tried brushing her teeth, she's not a fan. Of course I'll do it though, if it will help. It's not really bad, her gums don't bleed when you touch them, but it's definitely pinker around her teeth.

She is free fed Natural Balance (I considered switching that after Cammy started puking, some might remember, but since she got in the cheapy meow mix before she puked, I thought I'd continue it and she's been fine). She and Abbey share a can of soft food every day. Cammy's not a big fan of wet food and she doesn't even eat all her half. The soft food is usually wellness or natural balance.

Do you use pet toothpaste when you brush? Try one of the good enzymatic toothpastes - Petrodex, C.E.T.... that will help. You can just put it on your finger and rub on her teeth and gums.

I have also been using something called PlaqueOff by ProDen. It is sprinkled in or on food... I put it on the wet food, which may be an issue if Cammy doesn't like it.

There are water addititives but be careful because some contain alcohol.... some contain xylitol... and while that is not good for dogs, I don't know about cats. One that was reco'd to me was Ark Naturals Plaque Zapper.

Another name being tossed around on this site and in PMs is Biotene. This company makes special mouth washes for humans and now has a veterinary line that is getting good reviews.

Enzymatic dental chews can help, too - keep down the plaque and tartar.

Check some of my threads here about dental care b/c my Archie has early periodontal disease and I really don't want to put him "under" for a cleaning.

Oh - start little Abbey on a dental routine and she will likely put up less of a fuss in the long run.

Just a FYI ... of the clinical stuff done which is not a big amount.. so far NONE of the water treatments get rated even somewhat effective...

chews , paste and food addiditive s at least some rank good to highly

I just looked at Abbey's mouth and looks like she has it too. It's a lot milder in then Cammy's though. I don't know what kind of toothbrush I have. I bought it Petco.

What point would they need their teeth professionally cleaned? Should I start doing that? I think brushing their teeth would be easier if I had one of those finger brushes. I'll look on Amazon.

Originally Posted by kscatlady

I just looked at Abbey's mouth and looks like she has it too. It's a lot milder in then Cammy's though. I don't know what kind of toothbrush I have. I bought it Petco.

What point would they need their teeth professionally cleaned? Should I start doing that? I think brushing their teeth would be easier if I had one of those finger brushes. I'll look on Amazon.

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only a vet can answer the THEY NEED a Pro cleaning now... most vets around here seem to want to about age 6 ...

Finger brushes often work but just getting the paste into the mouth will help a lot as the enzymes do the work

Cammy is about six years old. How often should their teeth be brushed? Every day? And can someone recommend a brand of dental chews?

I am with all the advice above... As per my dentist, I would not brush a cat with gingivitis... Too sensitive... I would either use my fingers with a toothpaste, or better yet, use a gel, like Biotene, which is made to use without brushing... Make sure the Toothpaste has enzymes like C.E.T.
CET chews are really good, but not all cats like it...

Originally Posted by Carolina

I am with all the advice above... As per my dentist, I would not brush a cat with gingivitis... Too sensitive... I would either use my fingers with a toothpaste, or better yet, use a gel, like Biotene, which is made to use without brushing... Make sure the Toothpaste has enzymes like C.E.T.
CET chews are really good, but not all cats like it...

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Re: the CET chews.. only two of my seven will routinely eat them... they liked the chicken flavored ones better... Petrodex also makes chews.

ETA: I would think with the water additive the problem is that cats don't drink a lot of water like dogs do.

There are also washes, gels, sprays you can use. Carolina mentioned Biotene... that brand has the full line up, as does CET. Talk to you vet about what he/she thinks. I have even seen dental sponges (on a stick) on Amazon to wipe/swipe the gels, liquids, etc into the mouth... those teeth alongside the cheeks especially.

Originally Posted by AddieBee

Re: the CET chews.. only two of my seven will routinely eat them... they liked the chicken flavored ones better... Petrodex also makes chews.

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cet and petrodex are made by cet

Originally Posted by sharky

cet and petrodex are made by cet

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Interestingly enough -- the paste is made by CET; the chews by Sentry HC. At least that is what is on the back of the bag... who owns what???

Originally Posted by AddieBee

Interestingly enough -- the paste is made by CET; the chews by Sentry HC. At least that is what is on the back of the bag... who owns what??? :sk:

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strange ,last time I had check be it at least 6 month to a year ago the bag said Cet ... Maybe Sentry bought part of the company