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What to Know About Your Cat and Dental Disease

Admin • May 22, 2020
Does your cat have dental disease? If you suspect your feline friend's teeth or gums are at fault for their off or uncharacteristic behavior, take a look at the top dental health questions pet owners have answered.
Is Dental Disease Common in Cats?

Even though you won't see felines in the dentist's office chair, cats can still have oral issues. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, dental disease affects 50 to 90 percent of cats over the age of four. While this doesn't mean your middle-aged or older cat will have dental disease, without adequate prevention, it is a possibility.
What Are the Most Common Types of Feline Dental Disease?

Periodontitis, gingivitis, and tooth resorption are the top issues for cats. If periodontitis and gingivitis sound familiar, these two oral issues are problems people may also experience. Both are gum disease and can eventually lead to jaw bone and tooth loss.

Like in human cases, gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease and periodontitis is the more severe type that (if left untreated) can progress into serious dental issues.
Do Cats Get Cavities?

Cats don't develop cavities - at least, not like humans do. Instead, cats can suffer from tooth resorption. Tooth resorption impacts up to 60 percent of cats ages five and up. This oral issue starts with dentin erosion and eventually leads to total tooth destruction. The rate or destruction may vary among teeth. Think of this type of feline dental disease as the cat version of a human cavity.
What Are the Signs of Feline Dental Disease?

Some cats may not have any signs of dental disease. This makes regular (at least annual) veterinary checkups important. Not only will the vet examine your cat's body, but they will also check their teeth and gums. 

Signs of gum disease in cats often include the symptoms you may see in a human - redness, swelling, and bleeding. While your cat can't tell you they're in pain, discomfort is also a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis. But your cat may not act like themselves or may not eat/have trouble eating.

Tooth resorption may also make eating painful for your cat. Along with eating issues, this type of dental disease can also cause discoloration or loss of the tooth. A pinkish area at the bottom of the tooth (where it meets the gums) is a late sign of this condition.
What Types of Feline Dental Treatments Are Available?

The specific treatment for feline dental disease depends on the problem. Gum massage can help to keep your cat's teeth healthy and possibly prevent gingivitis. But this type of preventative treatment isn't always easy for a cat owner to accomplish. If you suspect your cat has a gum or tooth disease, contact the veterinarian as soon as possible. This is not an issue to treat without professional help.

The vet may prescribe medication to treat the pain and stop the spread of infection. If the tooth is beyond repair (and hasn't fallen out on its own), the vet may need to remove it in the office. Less severe dental issues may require a dental cleaning. The vet can do this in the office or may recommend a feline toothpaste to use at home.

Never use human toothpaste or dental products for your cat. These often contain ingredients that are toxic or harmful to felines.
Can Diet Help to Prevent Feline Dental Disease?

Along with regular vet visits, in-office cleanings, and other at-home care (prescribed by the vet), you may need to change your cat's diet. A healthy diet can contribute to a healthy mouth. Discuss the ingredients to look for in a quality cat food with the veterinarian. The vet may also prescribe a specialized food for your cat to try at home.

Does your cat need a dental exam? Contact Alta Vista Veterinary Clinic for more information.
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