 | At-Home Regimen: $10 or less |
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 | Veterinary Teeth Cleaning: $55-$830 |
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| A cat's teeth should be maintained by daily brushing and having a professional clean its teeth periodically. The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 70 percent of cats show signs of oral and dental disease by age three. Daily cleaning costs little and can prevent serious, more expensive problems later. | | |
| Typical costs: | - An at-home, teeth-cleaning regimen can be set up with an investment of $10 or less. Possible tools include a handled toothbrush -- a smaller version of the human toothbrush -- and finger brushes, a rubber finger glove that has rubber bristles.
- A standard starter kit by Petrodex containing a toothbrush, finger brush and tube of toothpaste sells for $9 -$11.
- Owners of more skittish cats may find that they can get the job done easier with a finger glove than a handled brush. These retail for about $4 for a set of two.
- The average price of a veterinary teeth cleaning is $400, with a range from $55 to $830. The price depends on whether blood work is done, whether teeth are pulled and whether the cat is anesthetized. The price also depends on the location and availability of veterinarians.
What should be included: | - During a professional teeth cleaning, a technician or veterinarian uses ultrasonic hand instruments to remove tartar and calculus from above and below the gum line, polishes teeth using a fluoride paste and conducts a thorough examination checking for periodontal disease and cavities.
- PetEducation.com says teeth cleaning is an important part of general health care in cats. Like humans, cats' oral health can affect the entire health system of the body. Teeth that are not brushed can form plaque, which becomes tartar, which can lead to infected gums, abscessed teeth, tooth loss and bacterial infections of vital organs.
Additional costs: | - Antibiotics typically cost between $30 and $50. If the veterinarian suspects the cat has an infection of some kind -- usually due to an abscessed tooth from neglected teeth and gums -- he or she may prescribe antibiotics to be taken about a week before and a week after the cleaning. This is because weak gums may bleed, and the infected blood could make its way into the cat's vital organs, causing a more complicated infection that could be fatal.
- Some cat treats claim dental health benefits like better breath and plaque removal capabilities, such as Feline Greenies, starting at $3 -$4.
Discounts: | - Professional cleaning may be covered by pet health insurance. For example, Veterinary Pet Insurance's premier coverage plan includes a $100 reimbursement for veterinary dental cleaning.
- Check with a local vet or shelter to see if there are any dental cleaning specials during February, which is Pet Dental Awareness Month.
Shopping for cat teeth cleaning: | - Cats should be eased into daily teeth cleaning. Cornell University recommends using a four-week training program to teach your cat to accept teeth cleaning.
- All veterinarians perform teeth cleanings. The American Veterinary Medicine Association has a vet finder tool.
- For specialized treatment, find a veterinary dentist through the American Veterinary Dental College's directory.
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Article updated October 2010 |
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