Feline dental problems are common in cats. In fact, the majority of cats over the age of three already show signs of dental disease or other oral health problems.
Types of Feline Dental Problems
There are several different types of dental problems that are frequently seen in cats. Here are the most common.
- Gingivitis/periodontitis - inflammation of the gingiva (gums) and tissue surrounding the teeth
- Gingivostomatitis (also sometimes referred to as stomatitis) - inflammation, often severe, of the gingiva and oral tissues, which may include the tongue, palate, and throat also
- Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) - resorbtion of the tooth or teeth by specialized cells known as odontoclasts
Less commonly seen dental or oral problems in cats include tumors of the mouth, foreign bodies and ulcers or wounds of the mouth or gums caused by viral diseases, toxins, electrocution or other injuries.
Symptoms of Dental Disease in Cats
Regardless of the type of dental disease, the symptoms are likely to be similar. The most common signs seen include:
- weight loss
- depressed appetite
- drooling
- dropping food out of the mouth while trying to eat
- bad breath
- pain
- swallowing abnormally
Left untreated, dental disease can be very painful for your cat. It can also cause disease within other body organs, including the heart, liver and kidneys and can shorten your pet's lifespan.
Preventing Dental Disease in Your Cat
Oral health care should begin when your cat is still a kitten. Brushing your cat's teeth is the best form of preventive medication for your cat's mouth. Particularly when introduced to the procedure at a young age, most cats will accept having their teeth brushed.
In the event that your cat simply will not allow you to brush his teeth, alternatives include dental treats such as Feline Greenies® or oral rinses such as the CET Oral Hygiene Rinse®.
Proper oral care for your cat should include not only home care but veterinary care as well. An oral examination should be part of your cat's regular veterinary care.
As a kitten, your veterinarian will check your cat for congenital abnormalities, retained baby teeth, missing or malformed teeth and other developmental anomalies. When older, the examination will include checking for any appearance of dental diseases such as gingivitis, gingivostomatitis or FORLS as well as other lesions in your cat's mouth.
Proper veterinary dental care will involve anesthetizing your cat. Each tooth must be examined individually and your veterinarian may want to take radiographs (x-rays) of your cat's mouth also. Once the dental examination has been performed, your cat's teeth will be professionally cleaned and, if necessary, a treatment plan will be put into place to correct any dental disease identified.
Proper dental care can help your cat live a longer, happier and healthier life. Dental disease is not only painful but it can also affect other organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Join the Conversation