How to Take Care of a Maine Coon’s Teeth? Exploring 3 Common Methods

Each time I inspect my Maine Coon’s teeth, I notice tartar or oral issues, prompting me to advise cat owners on tooth brushing or cleaning. Frequently, they inquire: Do cats require tooth brushing? How should I brush my Maine Coon’s teeth? What if my big feline resists? Is regular dental cleaning essential? Similar to humans, Maine Coons need routine dental care for oral well-being. Detecting a foul odor or excessive drooling in your cat’s mouth should raise concern, hinting at potential oral health issues.

Why Maine Majesty Need Dental Care？

Typically, Maine Coons aged 3 and above face an 85% chance of developing periodontal disease, a gradual oral ailment causing tissue inflammation around the teeth and significant tooth loss in cats. Periodontal disease can impede chewing, diminish appetite, and weaken a cat’s overall health. Stubborn tartar might require professional dental cleaning under anesthesia.

Older cats face higher oral disease risks due to plaque accumulation over the years, leading to periodontal problems. Weakened immune systems in older Maine Coons heighten susceptibility to gingivitis. Periodontal disease can allow bacteria to travel to the heart, kidneys, and liver, causing organ diseases. Home oral care and regular dental cleaning mitigate periodontal disease or decelerate its progression.

When to Begin Brushing Your Fluffy Coon’s Teeth？

Introduce tooth brushing to cats early to minimize resistance. Ideally, brush their teeth 1-2 times weekly. If brushing is challenging, applying toothpaste or oral gel allows the cat to achieve the brushing effect through licking. Many cats dislike the process, often resisting with tightly closed mouths. This holds true even for the typically docile Maine Coon breed. Therefore, caution is necessary when brushing a Maine Coon’s teeth.

Key Points for Effective Cat Toothbrushing

Here are some points to note when brushing your Maine Coon’s teeth:

1. Ensuring the Cat’s Relaxation

Before starting the toothbrushing process, gently stroke areas that your Maine Coon finds comfortable, such as the cheeks and chin. Speak soothingly to reassure your companion. Begin brushing only when the Maine Coon is relaxed.

2. Avoidance of Forceful Restraint

Never attempt to forcefully hold down your Maine Coon that is unwilling to have its teeth brushed. This action can make it resent toothbrushing even more. Additionally, most cats cannot tolerate prolonged repetitive activities, so brushing can be done in several short sessions.

3. Familiarization with the Lip-Flipping Motion

Before initiating the toothbrushing routine, regularly help your Maine Coon become accustomed to the lip-flipping motion. This habituation will make the friendly Coon less resistant when it’s time for actual toothbrushing.

4. Rewarding Cats After Brushing

After completing the toothbrushing session, reward your Coonie breed. You can give it favorite treats or snacks, or engage in playtime with a teaser wand. This helps them associate toothbrushing with enjoyable activities, reducing resistance to the process.

Method 1: Directly Brushing Teeth with Your Hand

This method doesn’t require additional tools but is more suitable for Maine Coons with a stable temperament.

• Step 1: Secure your Maine Coon in a side-holding position.
• Step 2: Dip the index finger of your right hand in some toothpaste or oral cleaning gel.
• Step 3: Insert the finger with toothpaste or cleaning gel into the corner of the cat’s mouth and smear it on the surface of the teeth.

Method 2: Using Gauze or Finger Sleeves for Toothbrushing

Using gauze and finger brushing for teeth cleaning is a method that doesn’t require additional tools but is more suitable for cats with a stable personality.

• Step 1: Place your kitty on a table with its head facing forward, and the body snugly against the back. This helps secure the cat’s body. Alternatively, hold the cat sitting on your lap. Comfort the soft feline first to ensure relaxation.
• Step 2: Wrap the index finger of one hand with a finger brush or gauze, trying to prevent the cat from seeing it to avoid any attempts to escape. If the cat uses its front paws to push away your hand, you can also cover the front paws with a piece of cloth or towel.
• Step 3: Gently hold your Maine Coon’s head with the thumb and index finger of one hand to prevent it from moving erratically.
• Step 4: Initially, you can moisten the finger brush or gauze with some juice from canned meat or a favorite treat that your Coon companion enjoys. This helps your cat get used to the brushing motion before moving on to toothpaste.
• Step 5: When brushing the canine teeth, use the thumb and index finger to gently flip up the cat’s lips, exposing the canine teeth. Rub the teeth with the wrapped finger or gauze to remove plaque.
• Step 6: The molars are prone to plaque and tartar buildup, so meticulous cleaning is necessary. There’s no need to forcefully open the cat’s mouth. Gently flip up the cat’s lips with your fingers and use the wrapped finger or gauze to rub the teeth.

Remember to go slowly and make the experience positive for the cat. If the cat resists or becomes stressed, take breaks and try again later.

You can also learn how to brush your Maine Coon’s teeth with finger sleeves or gauze by watching the following video.

Method 3: Brushing Your Maine Coon’s Teeth with a Toothbrush

Cleaning molars with a toothbrush can sometimes be challenging, especially if your fingers are a bit thick. In such cases, you can opt for a cat-specific toothbrush or a toddler’s toothbrush. With a small brush head and a slender handle, these brushes effectively reach the molars, making them a good choice.

• Step 1: Place your Maine Coon on a table with its head facing forward, and snugly press its body against your own or hold the cat sitting on your lap. Comfort the cat to help it relax. If your pet tends to move its front paws, you can cover them with clothing or a towel.
• Step 2: Hold the toothbrush in a manner similar to gripping a pencil.
• Step 3: You can moisten the toothbrush with a bit of toothpaste since a dry brush head might cause discomfort or gum injury. (Initially, you can dab the brush with some juice from canned meat or a favorite grooming paste to get the cat accustomed to the brushing action.)
• Step 4: Support the cat’s head with one hand, and use your thumb to flip up the corner of its mouth, exposing the molars without forcibly opening its mouth. Be gentle during brushing, as excessive force may lead to gum bleeding. Move the toothbrush between the teeth and gums to clean away any plaque.
• Step 5: When brushing the canine teeth, gently flip the lips near the nose upward to expose the canines.

The following video provides a more comprehensive guide on how to brush your beloved cat’s teeth using a toothbrush.

In Conclusion

Regular dental care is vital for the well-being of Maine Coons, especially as they age. Detecting oral issues early on can prevent severe health complications and enhance their overall quality of life. Maine Coons aged 3 and above face an increased risk of periodontal disease, a condition that can lead to substantial tooth loss and impact their overall health. To address this, implementing a routine dental care routine becomes crucial.

Initiating tooth brushing early helps minimize resistance, ideally with 1-2 sessions per week. Alternatives like toothpaste or oral gel can be beneficial if brushing proves challenging, as cats achieve the brushing effect through licking. Key points for effective tooth brushing, such as ensuring relaxation, avoiding forceful restraint, and incorporating positive reinforcement, play a significant role in creating a stress-free dental care experience for your Maine Coon. Adopting methods like direct brushing with your hand or using gauze/finger sleeves, tailored to your cat’s temperament, can effectively contribute to their oral health.

In summary, maintaining your Maine Coon’s oral health through consistent, gentle practices is a proactive measure for preventing potential dental issues and promoting their overall well-being.

Certainly! If you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring the ins and outs of grooming your Maine Coon at home, delve into our comprehensive guide for more valuable information.