Anbesol for cats?

Question
My cat has some tartar buildup. I know he needs dental work but he is also a senior and the costs involved are ridiculous! I'd pay it if I had it, but as I have previously been able to just pick it off his teeth, I don't see any urgency. Except now he is only eating soft food, so I know he's in pain. I bought some dental scrapers but when I get close enough, he flinches and I feel that if I could numb his gums, I could get in there. So, finally to my question: is Baby Anbesol (7.5% Benzocaine) safe for a cat, approximately 10 pounds?

Answer
From what I have read Benzocaine is toxic to cats. Your cat is in pain most likely because he has what we call resorption or cervical neck lesions. They are extremely painful lesions caused by the crown of the tooth rotting and breaking off at the gum line.
They are so painful Steven, that a cat under anesthetic can chatter its jaw from the pain if the lesions are touched the wrong way.

Dental work is something that should be done only by your veterinarian for this reason. It is fine to pick off some of the tartar when you can but if he is so much pain he is eating only soft food he DEFINITELY needs a veterinary visit. You don't want him in that kind of pain do you?

Dental scrapers are very sharp and can cause huge amounts of damage to the gums and teeth also. Teeth have to be smoothed over and polished after a dental is done so to polish off the microscopic pits the dental scalers leave. Otherwise bacteria flock to these areas and cause even worse damage than before.That is why a full and proper dental prophylaxis ends with a polishing and a treatment to seal off the enamel and help promote healthy gums.

Please be kind to your buddy and take him in for a proper dental cleaning and periodontal care for his pain.

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Hey Steve,
Thanks for letting me know. I bet he is a lot happier. Were his teeth bad? Good for you for brushing his teeth. You are a great pet owner!
take care,
Jana