Tooth Brushing Possibly Triggering Herpes Outbreaks

cc0000

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Right after we cleared up our male cat's ear infection, our female cat, Bambi, got a nasty eye infection with green discharge and squinting in one eye. 

My cats (all 3) have feline herpes and have mild symptoms typically off and on, even with L-Lysine. I have heard that stress triggers outbreaks.

I know tooth brushing is stressful on my cats and very likely triggered the eye problem in Bambi, but, I don't want to let my cats' teeth rot.

Is there an alternative to brushing teeth that is just as effective (when it comes to plaque removal)?

Thanks.
 

NewYork1303

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There aren't really any good alternatives in my opinion. I would suggest trying to make tooth brushing itself more fun. How did you introduce the brushing? How does a normal session go? Do they get a treat after they're done? What kind of tooth brush is used? What kind of toothpaste is used? All of these things can change the way tooth brushing goes for a cat. 
 
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cc0000

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Thanks for the reply. I use CET toothpaste that's poultry flavored. I use disposable oral swabs that are made out of a foam material. They are supposed to be easier on the gums. I don't use treats and maybe should have been slower to introduce the brushing, but, Bambi is not your average cat. She acts semi-feral and easily gets upset. She has been this way ever since we fixed her up and took her in from off the street. So, I don't know if she'll ever be okay with the brushing and I feel like I'm risking her health whether I brush or not.
 

NewYork1303

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It really is a challenge. It may be a good idea to try giving them treats during or after. Or to try just doing a bit at a time and letting them have breaks. I use baby toothbrushes for my cats, so I don't know how disposable ones work. 
 
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cc0000

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I think I'll have to try giving the treats to them. A calming aid would probably help too.
 

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With using the CET toothpaste it should still have a significant positive impact on oral health even if not brushed in your cat's mouth.  You could try and see if  your cat will come to your finger to lick something nice off it, and if so they might take the CET toothpaste this way - Mouse does this most times.  If he doesn't feel like licking it up as a treat (which is what he thinks it is) then I smear it on the outside of his lips so he licks it off to clean his face.   A lot less distressig than having either some alien object or a finger with cloth on forced in to your mouth I suspect.    I do brush using one of the tiny interdental brushes every few days but only if Mouse is happy about it.
 
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cc0000

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It's good to know that the toothpaste may still help some without brushing.
I also use a tooth gel as well, Oratene Maintenance Gel.
I think part of the problem is all of the brush options I've seen/bought are too large and uncomfortable or too rough on the gums, which is why I switched to the foam oral swab.
 

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It's good to know that the toothpaste may still help some without brushing.
I also use a tooth gel as well, Oratene Maintenance Gel.
I think part of the problem is all of the brush options I've seen/bought are too large and uncomfortable or too rough on the gums, which is why I switched to the foam oral swab.
Have you tried a toothbrush made for very young babies? That's the only thing I have gotten to work for my cats. If you can't brush them, MServant is right the toothpaste alone is good enough. 
 
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cc0000

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I'll look into a baby toothbrush. Do you have a specific one you could recommend? Thanks.
 
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cc0000

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Okay, I'll buy some of those toothbrushes and see how things go.
I've already tried a finger brush which was too big, cloth, a cat toothbrush that was much too big, and disposable oral swabs.
 

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Okay, I'll buy some of those toothbrushes and see how things go.
I've already tried a finger brush which was too big, cloth, a cat toothbrush that was much too big, and disposable oral swabs.
Yeah. I used a finger brush before, but it really was too big.
 
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