What is the Brown Material on a Cat’s Teeth?
The brown material commonly seen on cats’ teeth is a buildup of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a soft, sticky film composed of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that accumulates on the tooth surface. As plaque matures and hardens due to calcification, it transforms into tartar, which is a hard yellow-brown deposit (https://icatcare.org/advice/dental-disease-in-cats/).
Plaque starts forming within hours after a cat eats. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on food remnants and produce acids as a byproduct. These acids attack the tooth enamel and allow more bacteria to attach. Over time, minerals in saliva harden the plaque into tartar. Tartar above the gumline is visible as a yellow-brown buildup. Tartar below the gumline can only be detected by a veterinarian during an oral exam (https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/discolored-teeth).
Causes of Plaque and Tartar
The development of plaque and tartar on a cat’s teeth starts with bacteria naturally present in the mouth. These bacteria accumulate and thrive in the mouth by feeding on food particles and byproducts from the breakdown of foods. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “The mouth of every cat (or dog, or human) contains hundreds of bacterial species with plaque biofilm forming abilities.”
As the bacteria multiply, they produce a colorless, sticky film called plaque that adheres to the teeth. Plaque starts building up on teeth within hours of eating or drinking. Over time, minerals like calcium from the cat’s saliva combine with the plaque and harden into tartar (also called calculus). The tartar adheres strongly to the teeth and provides more surface area for even more bacterial growth.
Both plaque and tartar accumulate more readily in places that are harder to keep clean, like around the gumline and on the back teeth. Food debris also contributes to tartar buildup when it gets trapped around and between teeth. So those leftover bits of kibble stuck in kitty’s teeth attract more bacteria and provide nourishment for continued bacteria production.
Effects of Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar can cause various negative effects in cats if left untreated. The most common effect is gingivitis, which is an irritation and inflammation of the gums. As plaque accumulates on the teeth near the gumline, it causes the gums to become inflamed and can lead to infection (VCA Animal Hospitals). Gingivitis is uncomfortable for cats and makes eating painful. It also causes bad breath.
Tartar below the gumline eats away at the attachments of the tooth. This can lead to various problems like tooth decay and eventual tooth loss (Just Cats Clinic). The bacteria in plaque produce acids that demineralize and decay the teeth. Pain in the mouth, teeth and gums is another common symptom of substantial plaque and tartar buildup. Left untreated, plaque and tartar will continue worsening and cause increasingly severe dental disease.
Signs of Plaque and Tartar
The most common sign of plaque and tartar buildup in cats is a brown or yellow material on the teeth. This material is caused by the accumulation and hardening of plaque over time. As plaque mineralizes into tartar, it forms a hard, rough deposit on the tooth surface that can be yellow, brown, or cream colored (ICATCARE). The longer plaque stays on the teeth, the more discolored and heavy the tartar deposit will become.
Other signs of plaque and tartar in cats include:
– Red or inflamed gums – The bacteria in plaque irritates the gums, causing swelling and reddening called gingivitis. Gingivitis is a sign of early periodontal disease (VCAAnimalHospitals).
– Bad breath – The bacteria in plaque produce a foul odor that leads to cat bad breath, or halitosis. The worse the dental disease, the stronger the odor.
– Difficulty eating or chewing – Large tartar deposits can cause discomfort or pain when chewing. Your cat may chew only on one side of its mouth or start preferring soft, wet food.
– Shyness about having mouth touched – Cats may avoid having their mouth examined or handled due to dental pain and sensitivity.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that can increase a cat’s chance of developing plaque and tartar buildup:
Older cats – As cats age, their teeth and gums become more vulnerable to disease. Plaque and tartar tend to accumulate faster in senior cats.
Genetic predisposition – Some breeds like Persians and Himalayans are genetically prone to more plaque buildup and dental problems.
Dry food diets – Dry kibble doesn’t provide the abrasive cleaning action on teeth that a diet of raw meaty bones would. The starches in dry food also encourage bacterial growth.
Underlying health conditions – Issues like chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism can accelerate dental disease progression.
Preventing Plaque and Tartar
There are several ways cat owners can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on their cat’s teeth:
Brushing your cat’s teeth regularly is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and cat-safe toothpaste. Brush at least a few times per week if not daily, being gentle and working up to brushing all surfaces of the teeth. It may take time for your cat to get accustomed to toothbrushing [1].
Dental treats and chews help scrape away plaque and tartar while providing enjoyment for your cat. Look for treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Avoid hard chews that could damage teeth [2].
Water additives containing enzymes or antiseptics create an oral environment that inhibits plaque. Adding these to your cat’s drinking water daily can reduce bacteria buildup. Oxyfresh and OraVet make popular additives [1].
Feeding dental diet cat food is another preventative measure. These kibbles are designed to help mechanically scrub teeth clean as your cat chews. Hill’s Prescription Diet and Royal Canin Dental foods are vet recommended options [2].
Regular veterinary dental cleanings (typically done under anesthesia) can prevent plaque and tartar from accumulating long-term. Cleanings every 6-12 months are ideal, especially for cats prone to rapid plaque buildup [1].
Removing Plaque and Tartar
The most effective way to remove plaque and tartar from a cat’s teeth is to have a veterinarian perform a professional dental cleaning. This is usually done under sedation or general anesthesia so the cat is comfortable and still during the procedure. The vet will use specialized ultrasonic scaling tools to break up tartar and scrape it off the teeth. This allows them to remove buildup above and below the gumline.
Before any dental procedure, the veterinarian will run bloodwork to check the cat’s kidney and liver function. This helps ensure the cat can safely handle anesthesia. They will also take dental x-rays to examine the tooth roots and look for any underlying issues. After scaling, the teeth will be polished to smooth them and help prevent future plaque adhesion.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, a thorough veterinary dental cleaning and polishing is the only way to fully remove heavy tartar buildup. Home remedies may help reduce plaque but cannot eliminate severe calculus deposits. Regular professional cleanings are crucial for cat dental health.
Home Remedies
There are several home remedies that can help prevent and remove plaque buildup on your cat’s teeth. However, it’s important to be cautious with human toothpaste, as many brands contain xylitol, which is toxic to cats.[1] Instead, use a pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste designed specifically for cats.
Regularly brushing your cat’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and pet toothpaste is the most effective home plaque removal method. Gently brush in circular motions, focusing on the outer surfaces of the teeth. Introduce toothbrushing slowly and make it a positive experience with praise and treats.[2]
Dental treats and chews can also help scrape off soft plaque when chewing. Look for products formulated to support dental health with special textures, enzymes, or antibacterial ingredients. However, treats alone aren’t enough to fully remove plaque buildup.[3]
Some pet owners have had success using dental wipes for quick plaque removal, though effects are temporary. Always check with your vet before introducing any new dental care products.
Other potential remedies include dental water additives and raw bones to chew on. But ultimately, professional dental cleanings are required to fully remove hardened tartar above and below the gumline.
[1] https://www.onlynaturalpet.com/blogs/holistic-healthcare-library/dental-care-for-pets-1
[2] https://www.scottsdalecatclinic.com/blog/at-home-cat-dental-care-tips/
[3] https://puffandfluffspa.com/dental-hygiene-in-cats-how-to-remove-plaque-and-tartar-buildup/
When to See the Vet
There are several signs that indicate it’s time to take your cat to the veterinarian for a dental examination and potential cleaning:
Red, inflamed gums or loose teeth can signal advanced dental disease. This may occur with significant tartar and plaque buildup. Seeking veterinary care as soon as these signs appear is important, as advanced dental disease can lead to tooth loss, infections, and other health issues (VCA Animal Hospitals).
Difficulty or reluctance when eating due to plaque and tartar accumulation is another sign it’s time for a vet visit. Your cat may show signs of pain or discomfort when chewing. Excessive plaque and tartar can make it painful to eat, leading to appetite loss. A dental cleaning can remove the buildup and restore comfortable eating (VCA Animal Hospitals).
Your veterinarian may recommend regular dental cleanings, such as every 6-12 months, to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Routine dental care and cleanings allow the vet to identify and address any dental disease early on (iCatCare). Your vet can examine your cat’s teeth and determine an appropriate cleaning schedule.
Long Term Care
Keeping your cat’s teeth clean and healthy over the long term requires regular care and monitoring. Here are some tips for maintaining good feline dental health:
Tooth brushing should become a regular part of your cat’s routine. Brushing daily or several times a week helps prevent plaque buildup. Use a soft bristled brush and cat-safe toothpaste. Go slowly and gently as cats adjust to tooth brushing (kittybiome.com/expert-advice/5-effective-ways-to-care-for-your-cats-oral-and-dental-health/).
Feed your cat dental diet food formulated to help reduce tartar. Look for foods with the VOHC seal from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (wcrah.com/site/blog-flat-rock-vet/2021/08/16/cat-dental-health-care-what-every-owner-should-know/).
Provide chews and treats made to support feline dental health like Greenies. Chewing helps clean teeth. Look for treats with the VOHC seal (rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/cat-care/guide-to-cat-dental-care).
Your vet should perform regular dental cleanings and exams to check for issues. Cleanings prevent disease. Alert your vet to any signs of dental problems. Regular vet visits are key for long term health (wcrah.com/site/blog-flat-rock-vet/2021/08/16/cat-dental-health-care-what-every-owner-should-know/)
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Monitor your cat’s teeth and gums yourself. Check for signs of tartar buildup, inflamed gums, or bad breath. Address any problems right away. Staying vigilant helps maintain good feline dental care.