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The Ultimate Guide to Dental Care and Hygiene Basics for Oriental Shorthair and Longhair Cats

Good to know: general information, not veterinary advice. Read our disclaimer.
Checking the teeth of an Oriental cat at home

Short answer: dental disease is a common problem in cats, and the Oriental is no exception: The Vet Desk lists plaque and tartar build-up, infection and tooth loss among the breed's health issues, and warns that untreated dental disease can contribute to heart and kidney problems. The most useful habit is daily or regular tooth brushing with cat-specific toothpaste, started gently and rewarded, combined with regular mouth checks by your vet.

Why teeth matter for an Oriental

The GCCF page on the Oriental does not mention dental problems, and Your Cat does not either, so there is no evidence here of a breed-specific tooth defect. The Vet Desk, however, includes dental disease in its list of Oriental Shorthair health problems, explaining that plaque and tartar build-up cause infection and tooth loss, and that untreated dental disease can contribute to heart disease and kidney failure. Because the same is true of cats in general, treat dental care as a routine part of your Oriental's life, not an extra. With the breed's long life expectancy (the GCCF gives 12 to 15 years), healthy teeth have many years to matter.

Signs of dental trouble

Cats hide pain, so look for subtle changes. Our cat dental care guide lists the signs in detail. In brief:

  • Bad breath, or a build-up of brown or yellow tartar.
  • Red or swollen gums.
  • Dropping food, chewing on one side or reluctance to eat hard food.
  • Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or a loose or missing tooth.

Any of these deserves a vet check. Do not wait for your cat to stop eating completely.

How to brush an Oriental's teeth

FirstVet explains that brushing helps prevent tartar, gum disease and bad breath, because cat toothpaste contains enzymes that break down plaque before it hardens into tartar. Its steps:

  1. Choose a tool your cat accepts: a finger, a finger brush, a small pet toothbrush or a used child's toothbrush.
  2. Use cat-specific toothpaste, in poultry or peanut butter flavours. Do not use human toothpaste, which can cause stomach upset.
  3. Pick a calm moment, not straight after play.
  4. Start small. You can begin by letting your cat lick a little peanut butter or toothpaste, then brush the outside of the upper molars. You do not need to brush every surface every time.
  5. Use the same place and cue each time.
  6. Reward. Praise and petting, then a treat reserved for dental and grooming time.

Orientals tend to be clever, social and food-motivated, which can make training easier; see our Oriental training guide for the reward-based approach that works for tooth brushing as well.

Other tools

FirstVet also mentions dental probiotic food or water additives as products that favour "good" bacteria over those linked to tartar. These are optional extras, not substitutes for brushing, and it is worth asking your vet which products suit your cat. Do not give your cat bones or hard objects to chew without veterinary advice, because they can break teeth.

Professional dental care

Home care slows plaque but cannot remove hardened tartar or treat disease under the gumline. Ask your vet to examine your cat's mouth at every check-up, and to advise whether a professional dental assessment is needed. Dental procedures need anaesthesia, which your vet will discuss with you. See our yearly check-up guide for what to expect.

The rest of the hygiene routine

  • Ears: check weekly; see how to clean your cat's ears safely. This matters for a breed with such large ears.
  • Claws: trim with cat clippers as needed; see our claw trimming guide.
  • Coat: the GCCF calls the shorthair low-maintenance, and says the longhair needs regular gentle combing.

Diet and teeth

A complete and balanced diet supports the whole body, teeth included. See our Oriental nutrition guide. Be wary of claims that dry food alone cleans teeth; ask your vet what evidence supports a dental diet for your cat.

Quick checklist

  • Brush with cat toothpaste in short, rewarded sessions.
  • Check the mouth weekly for bad breath, red gums or tartar.
  • Never use human toothpaste.
  • Dental check at every vet visit.
  • This is general information, not veterinary advice.

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Further reading

Reminder: Kittyslovers (The Best Kitty Corner) is an independent blog. Our authors are not veterinarians and this article has not been reviewed by a veterinary professional. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your cat's health, diet, supplements and medication. Found an error? Let us know.