As a new cat owner, there may be a lot on your mind regarding their care and keeping them healthy. While some care may seem more immediate to address than others, you should prioritize dental care. 

If your kitten is under 11 weeks, they likely have all their baby teeth, or they have just begun to fall out. You'll need to see what steps to take to ensure they will have healthy gums and teeth as they mature so you can forgo the need for extractions via oral surgery. 

Familiarize Your Cat with the Vet  

Unlike with humans, where you see a different professional for medical and dental care, your cat will likely be visiting the same vet clinic for both. The best time to get your cat familiar with new experiences is when they're young, making it an ideal time to visit a vet. Not only will they need a lot of various treatments and services, including vaccinations and more, but the vet can also address preventive dental care.

Your vet can get close to your kitten, feeling around their mouth and getting them accustomed to routine dental checks. 

Introduce Routines at Home

The high cost of dental cleaning and the stress involved makes introducing home care a vital part of being a pet owner. Toothpaste and a toothbrush designed for kittens are excellent for introducing your kitten to dental care. Setting aside time each day to practice brushing their teeth, starting with only their lips to familiarize them with the flavor, is optimal for making this care easy to introduce to your kitten. 

Water additives are easy to include at home since all you need to do is pour a small amount into your kitten's drinking water. 

Risks of Untreated Dental Problems

Oral surgery is a necessary part of extractions and even root canals that your cat could require if your cat experiences dental issues in the future. Since most dental problems are painful and require immediate vet care, preventive care and consideration over your kitten's dental care are vital. 

Beginning dental care soon after you've adopted your kitten is essential since it postpones the need for extensive work later. While your cat may only have kitten teeth and their mouth is generally healthy, the above tips can make all the difference in avoiding the need for pet oral surgery later in life. By understanding the above tips and working with a vet, you'll have a lot more success keeping your kitten healthy and their teeth in great shape.