Your Cat's Oral Health
Your cat's oral health is closely linked to their general health and well-being. Your cat uses their teeth, gums, and entire mouth to eat and vocalize. When their oral structures become damaged or diseased, they can stop functioning properly, and your cat suffers pain, which interferes with their ability to eat and communicate normally.
Additionally, the infections and bacteria that cause many oral health problems in cats do not remain confined to your kitty's mouth. Left untreated, the infection and bacteria that grow in your cat's mouth can easily spread throughout their body, causing damage to organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. These long-term issues can also severely impact your cat's overall health and longevity.
Signs & Symptoms of Dental Disease in Cats
While specific signs and symptoms will vary depending on your cat's dental problem, it's highly likely that your cat is experiencing some kind of problem with their teeth if you notice any of the following behaviors or symptoms.
Common signs that your cat may be having problems with a single tooth or multiple teeth include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loose or missing teeth
- Visible tartar
- Swollen, bleeding, or noticeably red gums
- Pawing at their teeth or mouth
- Difficulty with or slow eating
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Excessive drooling
If you notice any of the above signs of dental disease in your cat, contact your vet to book an appointment for an exam. The sooner your cat's dental disease is diagnosed and treated, the sooner they can stop suffering from pain. Having dental diseases detected and treated early can also reduce your cat's risk for serious long-term health issues.
Common Dental Diseases in Cats
While a wide variety of health issues can affect your cat's teeth, gums, and other oral structures, here are three especially common conditions to watch for.
Periodontal Disease
About 70% of all cats will develop some type of periodontal disease by the time they reach the age of three.
This disease is an infection caused by the bacteria found in plaque – the soft film of food debris and bacteria that accumulates on the teeth over the course of a day. If your cat's plaque isn't regularly brushed away or cleaned, it will harden into tartar that extends below the gum line.
When bacteria become trapped underneath your cat's gum line and against their teeth, it irritates and erodes the structures that support the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease will lead to a serious infection of your cat's gums and cause the teeth to loosen and fall out. The disease can also lead to organ damage as the bacteria spread throughout the body.
Stomatitis
Feline stomatitis is an incredibly painful inflammation and ulceration—opening of sores—of your cat's gums, cheeks, and tongue.
Persians and Himalayans are predisposed to developing this condition but any cat can develop stomatitis.
Cats suffering from this condition are often in extreme pain and have reduced appetites because of that. In some cases, cats will become malnourished because it is so painful for them to eat. If your cat develops a mild case, at-home care might be enough to treat their stomatitis. But severe cases require surgical intervention.
Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption in cats describes the gradual destruction of a tooth or multiple teeth in your cat's mouth. This is a fairly common condition in cats, potentially affecting 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, loosening it and causing pain. Without a dental x-ray, this destruction occurs below your cat's gum line, making it difficult to detect. This condition may be present if your cat suddenly develops a preference for soft foods or swallows their food without chewing.
Preventing Dental Issues in Cats
The absolute best way to help prevent the development of dental problems with your cat's teeth is routine brushing and cleaning your cat's mouth. Your cat's teeth and gums will have a much better chance of remaining healthy if plaque is brushed or wiped away before it can cause damage or infection.
To help keep your kitty's teeth in tip-top condition bring your pet in for a professional dental examination and cleaning once a year. To avoid developing oral health issues in the first place, start brushing your cat's teeth and gums while they are still a kitten. They will quickly adjust to the process. If your cat refuses to have its teeth cleaned, dental treats and foods are available to assist you in keeping your cat's teeth healthy.
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.