There are some things on the market you can look for and try that could be easier and less costly regarding maintenance and trips to the vet.

I picked up a product called Liquid Oral Care at PetSmart.

http://www.petkin.com/1-800-PETKIN-1...products_id=82

Since we all know it's practically impossible to clean a cat's teeth if they dont want us to, this product is added directly to the drinking water, it is odourless and it says it's tasteless as well.

This is the first bottle I have bought and have just begun using it so I dont have any result type information, I would imagine though it might take awhile to work. It claims to clean teeth, freshen breath, fight plaque and gum disease. I thought it worth a try.

Also when 'pet shopping' I found a new dry food out by Royal Canin, I cant remember the exact name, but it's geared to oral care, hairball, and digestive ease, it's not cheap, but I bought a bag, (have four persians) planning on using this as a supplement (read TREATS) and I was amazed at how they took to this new food, they love it all of them.

I hope every little bit helps, I've taken this 'step' because a close friend just lost their older kitty due to the anaesthetic during dental work, so I wanted to try at least to go the preventative route.