Caring for your Ragdoll’s teeth and gums is easier than it sounds. Dental problems like periodontal disease are easy to prevent. Crunchy food for example is one thing that will help keep your Ragdoll’s teeth clean. The next thing is daily brushing. It is easiest to start brushing with a kitten. If your Ragdoll is no longer a kitten you may want to visit your veterinarian for a cleaning before you start brushing; this will ensure you are starting with teeth that are clean as possible.
To brush your Ragdoll’s teeth you will need a soft brush and pet toothpaste. Never us baking soda or even regular toothpaste as your cat could have a reaction to it. Your pet supply store can provide you with veterinary grade toothpastes flavored for use with a cat. Petco offers a starter kit that includes toothpaste and two brushes that works very well. When brushing your Ragdoll’s teeth pay special attention to the back teeth as these are most susceptible to periodontal disease. Plaque builds up on teeth every day; this plaque hardens to form tarter. Tarter does not come off with brushing; this has to be scraped off the tooth during a veterinarian cleaning. Because plaque hardens to form tarter you need to brush every day to remove the plaque before it hardens.
To get your cat used to daily brushings it is best to establish a routine. Pick a certain time of day and perform the brushing at the same time each day. Giving your Ragdoll cat a treat after the brushing will help establish the routine. It will take several days to get your cat used to brushing their teeth so be patient and offer lots of praise in the meantime. To brush teeth start by giving your Ragdoll a taste of the toothpaste. While offering this taste, slide your fingers along the gums. Repeat this activity and then do the same with the toothbrush. Gently brush the gum line and be sure to get underneath it. Pay close attention to the upper and lower back teeth. You should spend about one minute brushing the teeth and gums. If you are just getting started don’t try to brush all your Ragdoll’s teeth in one sitting. Start out by brushing your cat’s upper teeth first. It may take time before your cat will let you brush all of the teeth.
Your cat may still need a cleaning from the veterinarian every now and then even with daily brushing. By brushing each day you will ensure your cat needs fewer cleanings at the vet.
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