Cat mouths can have bacteria in them just like how humans can have bacteria in their mouths. These bacteria can harm a cat's teeth and gums. The most effective way to clean a cat's mouth is to take him or her to a veterinarian that is able to provide a professional cleaning service, but most pet owners don't have the time or money to take their cat to the vet for a teeth cleaning more than once or twice a year. Here are some ways that you can keep your cat's teeth clean between professional appointments.

1. Start Early

Cats don't like having people jab items in their mouths, so if you're going to be successful, you're going to need to start cleaning your cat's teeth as early as possible, preferably when your cat is still a kitten. To brush a kitten's teeth, you can take a piece of gauze and put cat toothpaste on it. Then, wrap your finger in the gauze so that the toothpaste is on the outside. Rub your finger on the kitten's teeth to clean them. 

If your cat is already older and is not used to having his or her teeth cleaned, perform this same maneuver but make sure that you wear gloves in order to make sure that you are not injured.

2. Brush Regularly

It's recommended that you brush your cat's teeth at least twice a week in order to make sure that you remove harmful bacteria on a regular basis and are able to check for possible problems in your cat's mouth on a regular basis. For adult cats, you can brush with a normal cat toothbrush, which can be purchased online or at a pet store. 

3. Stay Vigilant

Finally, you need to remain vigilant when you are inspecting your cat's mouth. If you notice that your cat's gums are bleeding, that his or her breath is much worse than normal, or that he or she is experiencing excessive teeth licking or drooling, then you will need to make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. These are symptoms of gum disease and other cat dental problems that you will not be able to resolve on your own without professional help.

Talk to your veterinarian about specific products that he or she recommends for cleaning your cat's teeth. For more information, contact Gwynedd Veterinary Hospital or a similar location.