How to Determine Healthy Cat Teeth

Every pet owner wants to ensure that their pets maintain optimal health. If you're a cat owner, you can help keep your pet healthy by regularly checking her teeth. Look for signs that that she may be suffering from an oral disease that requires treatment.

Instructions

1. Look for baby teeth that never fell out. These teeth are small and usually were pushed to the side when the adult feline teeth come in. Your vet may choose to remove these teeth in order to prevent later complications.

2. Check the gums. Gum disease is typically easy to spot because of the effect that it has on the appearance of the gums. Diseased gums look red and swollen.

3. Examine the cat's mouth for broken teeth. If you see a chipped or broken tooth, then you know that the cat may require dental care.

4. Notify the vet. If you see anything alarming in your cat's mouth, then let your vet know so that he can further examine the animal.

Tips & Warnings

• You may have problems trying to look in the mouth of a feisty feline. Ask someone to assist you and hold the cat in place while you examine the mouth.

• If you can't examine your cat's mouth at home, request that the vet perform an oral check up at your next office visit.