Teeth brushing for cat who is prone to gingivitis

Apparently, Lucy has terrible teeth. She's already had several removed that were in bad shape and the vet was shocked to know that her teeth cleaning only took place 6 months ago as she was already showing signs of gingivitis again. As a diabetic cat, I do not want her to get an infection that will throw off her numbers. I am still trying to get her numbers in a good range and do not need any more variables (not her fault of course, I am just overwhelmed) . How do I keep her teeth "in check" between cleanings (which I am shooting for once a year)? The vet recommends every six months which financially, I cannot do. At the moment, I have the "Virbac C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit". I put some of the toothpaste on the brush and do the best I can at actually brushing her teeth without her being a snapping turtle about once a day for the past several weeks. Then I just let her bite on the brush. Any other recommendations?

 

raw chicken gizzards or hearts, or really any raw meat that you cut into a "chunk" will help. A lot of people will use raw chicken wings or turkey necks too

Cats in the wild don't need dentists because they "gnaw" on fibrous tissue and "scrape" against raw bone which keeps the teeth in good shape

 

Are these things you can buy at a pet store? I have a holistic one near my house. Also, this may seem like a ridiculous question, but...are any of these things (chicken gizzards, hearts, etc.) high in carbohydrates? I am so paranoid about increasing her BG as it's already very high.

 

They can be bought in any grocery store.....they are just plain chicken wings, gizzards, etc. that you can find at any grocery store in the meat department

Not all will have gizzards, hearts, kidneys, but most will have at least one and chicken wings are always available.

You can use any type of meat that your cat likes....it's the action of "gnawing" that keeps their teeth clean, not any particular protein source

Since these are all pure proteins, there's no carbs to worry about

 

Music to my ears Thank you!

 

Another question Does brushing her teeth once a day with the specified brand in the subject post actually help? Does it hurt?

 

It doesn't hurt, but it's not necessary either.....there's just as much proof that using a plain piece of gauze with a little water on it and rubbing the teeth/gums works as well as any fancy "toothpaste"