Hello, everyone! Thank you again for your help with my questions about the yearly exam earlier; today was the day, and we took the cats in for their first checkups as adults! I asked for their teeth to be look at in particular as I've worked up to being able to smear toothpaste on their top row of teeth for the calmer cat, and I wanted the final go-ahead to start brushing. During that time, the vet told me that she recommended cleaning for one cat and that the second was might need a cleaning soon but was not quite there yet.
I would appreciate (1) a second opinion, and (2) feedback on what to look for during a dental cleaning.
Second Opinion
I'll preface this by saying I'm leaning towards getting the cleaning for the first cat and I'll list my reasons below; I would just appreciate reassurance for the decision since it startled me that it would come up when they're so young, or, of course, information on if anyone disagrees.
Henri, 14mo (Vet suggested she get a cleaning. She is the one where I've been able to smear toothpaste along her gumline.)
If relevant, this is my first time visiting this vet, and while I felt she handled the exam well I have not worked with her enough to rely on trust alone.
Dental Cleaning
What should I look for during a dental cleaning? Since she will be under anesthesia anyways, should I ask for an x-ray? Do I insist on having pain medication to take home if they do not offer to provide it? I've noticed in some other dental cleaning threads on this forum, users had to give antibiotics to their cats prior to the dropoff date; however, my vet did not mention it and I'm waiting for a response to my e-mail. Is this something I should insist on as well? Anything else?
Thank you so much! Obligatory photos attached.
I would appreciate (1) a second opinion, and (2) feedback on what to look for during a dental cleaning.
Second Opinion
I'll preface this by saying I'm leaning towards getting the cleaning for the first cat and I'll list my reasons below; I would just appreciate reassurance for the decision since it startled me that it would come up when they're so young, or, of course, information on if anyone disagrees.
Henri, 14mo (Vet suggested she get a cleaning. She is the one where I've been able to smear toothpaste along her gumline.)
- Back teeth were yellowish.
- Red gum line. It did not seem inflamed since it wasn't noticeably swollen, but it was certainly red compared to the soft pink of her gums.
- Occasional bad breath when I'm sitting next to her. I don't put my head next to her head; I just hover over her while I check her nails or brush her. The bad breath died down when I started toothpasting her, but it will still crop up occasionally. This is the main reason why I was leaning towards getting her cleaning.
- The vet said her teeth were noticeably worse than Juno's, but they seemed similar to me from the glances I took. Perhaps her gums past the irritated red line were a little paler?
- Back teeth were yellowish.
- Red gum line. It did not seem inflamed since it wasn't noticeably swollen, but it was certainly red compared to the soft pink of her gums.
- No bad breath.
- The vet demonstrated brushing teeth with a wipe, and there was a noticeable amount of yellow plaque on the wipe (as in, I could see it while I was standing; I did not have to squint or move closer to it).
- Knowing how long it took to get her comfortable with having her front paws clipped, I don't know how feasible 6 months is (I'm personally not alarmed by the timeframe, but my experiences with her have been incredibly humbling and I try not to set any expectations or deadlines), especially since she is much more bitey. Should I simply go ahead and start from square one and get hers cleaned, or should I continue trying to work on her comfort level and not do a dental cleaning unless it is absolutely necessary?
If relevant, this is my first time visiting this vet, and while I felt she handled the exam well I have not worked with her enough to rely on trust alone.
Dental Cleaning
What should I look for during a dental cleaning? Since she will be under anesthesia anyways, should I ask for an x-ray? Do I insist on having pain medication to take home if they do not offer to provide it? I've noticed in some other dental cleaning threads on this forum, users had to give antibiotics to their cats prior to the dropoff date; however, my vet did not mention it and I'm waiting for a response to my e-mail. Is this something I should insist on as well? Anything else?
Thank you so much! Obligatory photos attached.
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