Your Cat's Oral Health
Your cat's oral health is essential for its overall well-being. The mouth, teeth, and gums are crucial for eating and communicating. If these oral structures are unhealthy, your cat can experience pain, which can impact its ability to eat and vocalize normally.
Moreover, bacteria and infections that cause oral health issues in cats can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated, leading to damage in organs like the kidneys, liver, and heart and affecting your cat's overall health and lifespan.
What are the signs & symptoms of dental disease in cats?
Specific symptoms will differ between conditions; however, if you notice any of the following behaviors or symptoms, your cat may show tooth problem symptoms.
Some of the most common symptoms of cat teeth problems can include:
- Bad Breath (halitosis)
- Excessive drooling
- Weight loss
- Difficulty with or slow eating
- Missing or loose teeth
- Visible tartar
- Bleeding, swollen, or noticeably red gums
- Pawing at their teeth or mouth
If you notice any signs of dental disease in your cat, take them to your local veterinarian as soon as possible. The sooner your cat's dental disease is identified and treated, the better off they will be in the long run.
How common are teeth problems in cats?
While a wide range of health issues can affect your cat's gums, teeth, and oral structures, there are three common conditions to watch out for.
Periodontal Disease
Did you know that about 70% of all cats will develop some form of periodontal disease by the time they reach the age of three?
This disease is an infection caused by bacteria found in plaque, the soft film of bacteria, and food debris that builds up on teeth throughout the day. If your cat's plaque isn't regularly brushed away or cleaned, it will harden and form tartar that extends below the gum line.
Bacteria trapped beneath your cat's gum line and against their teeth can irritate and erode the structures that support their teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause a serious infection of your cat's gums, loose and missing teeth, and organ damage as the bacteria spreads throughout the body.
Stomatitis
Feline stomatitis is an excruciating inflammation and ulceration (formation of sores) of a cat's gums, cheeks, and tongue. Breeds like Persians and Himalayans are more likely to develop this condition, but any cat can get stomatitis.
Cats with stomatitis are often in severe pain and may have a reduced appetite. In some cases, eating becomes so painful that they become malnourished. Mild cases of stomatitis may be managed at home, but severe cases require surgical intervention.
Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption in cats refers to the gradual destruction of one or more teeth in your cat's mouth. This condition is quite common in cats and can affect up to three-quarters of middle-aged and older cats.
When a cat has tooth resorption, the body starts to break down the hard outer layer of the tooth, causing it to become loose and painful.
This process occurs below the cat's gum line, making it hard to detect without a dental X-ray. If your cat starts preferring soft foods or swallows food without chewing, they may have this condition.
How to prevent & treat dental problems in cats?
Regularly brushing and cleaning your cat's teeth is the best way to prevent dental problems. Removing plaque before it causes damage or infection is crucial for maintaining your cat's dental health.
Taking your cat for a professional dental examination and cleaning once a year would be best. Introducing tooth brushing to your cat while it's still a kitten can help it get used to the process. If your cat resists tooth brushing, you can use dental treats and foods to help maintain its dental health.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.