Did you know cat dental problems are pretty common? Some of these issues can harm your cat, but don’t worry; most of these problems are preventable. Keep reading to learn more about your cat’s oral health.
What Are Cat Dental Problems?
When we say “dental problems,” we mean issues with the teeth and gums. Dental issues are common in young and older cats, but any kitty can have problems.
Believe it or not, up to 85% of cats older than three-years-old have some sort of dental problem. But did you also know that dental problems in cats are entirely preventable?
Even though cats are more independent than dogs, you still need to keep up with keeping your cat’s teeth clean. Teeth cleaning is essential within general cat care.
What Causes Dental Disease In Cats?
The leading cause of the feline dental disease is bacteria buildup. Plague is bacteria that grows on cat teeth.
One easy way to prevent plaque buildup is to brush your cat’s teeth regularly. Brushing your feline friend’s teeth will not only prevent plaque but also stop it from getting worse.
If too much plaque builds up, then it’ll harden the teeth. When hardened, it turns into tartar, also known as calculus. At this point, you can’t brush it off. Instead, you’ll need to bring your cat to the vet for them to remove it.
Common Dental Problems
Gum disease in cats, or feline gingivitis, is when your cat’s gums become swollen or inflamed. These cat dental problems symptoms are often caused by plaque and tartar.
However, other symptoms may include underlying health issues like kidney disease, diabetes, or the feline leukemia virus.
But what are the symptoms of gingivitis in cats? Your cat may show signs of the following:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding at the gum line
- Drooling
- Discomfort or pain
- Gums swelling or have redness
You may also notice your cat turning their head to chew on one side of its mouth. Alternatively, they may prefer softer foods.
Cat gum disease is preventable by regularly brushing your kitty’s teeth. However, a trip to the vet is warranted if they get gingivitis that gets out of control.
Your vet will remove the affected teeth, which is the easier gingivitis treatment for cats.
More cat teeth problems may include periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis.
Cat periodontal disease occurs when gingivitis doesn’t get treated. Signs will be similar to gingivitis, but you won’t know it’s periodontal disease until the tooth root shows or your cat’s affected teeth become loose and possibly fall out.
Periodontal disease includes the vet deep cleaning your feline’s teeth. However, in worst cases, they may need to put your cat under for tooth extraction.
More Cat Mouth Problems
Stomatitis is another dental issue that’s painful for cats. This issue is when inflammation occurs inside or at the back of their mouth.
It’s often caused by gingivitis when the cause is an underlying health issue.
Tooth resorption is another common issue. Also known as a feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion, this occurs when the tooth begins to break from the inside.
Other tooth problems may be tooth misalignment, cat tooth decay, or enamel defects. In addition, fractured teeth and bad breath can be a problem.
Bad breath doesn’t always mean you don’t brush your cat’s teeth enough. It almost always means that there’s an underlying health issue going on.
How To Prevent Cat Dental Problems
The best way to care for your feline’s mouth is to promote oral health as part of your home care. This care is as simple as brushing your cat’s teeth every day.
On the other hand, preventative care is also a great option. When you bring your feline friend to the vet, they’ll check your cat’s teeth.
Question Corner: FAQs About Cat Dental Problems
If you need to know more about your cat’s oral health, then read through the frequently asked questions answered below.
What Are The Clinical Signs Of Dental Disease?
In most cases, you’ll need to bring your kitty to the vet for an oral check-up. They may also take x-rays of your cat’s head and jaw. However, sometimes your cat may paw at their mouth, excessively drool, shake its head a lot, drop food from its mouth, have bad breath, or chew to one side.
Is Gingivitis Always Associated With Dental Disease?
While it’s not always sure, gingivitis is caused by plaque and tartar buildup. If not treated right away, then other diseases may occur. Dental issues are often caused by harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar, often causing gingivitis first. However, other health issues like diabetes may cause teeth problems.
What If I suspect My Cat Has Dental Disease?
Your cat’s teeth should be checked at their annual vet visit. Your vet will be able to tell when something is wrong. If you notice your cat has trouble eating, swallowing, or discomfort, it’s best to call the vet. Also, if your cat has bad breath, that’s a sign something is wrong with its mouth.
Can Cat Dental Problems Be Prevented?
Yes. You can prevent dental disease with proper oral hygiene at home with regular brushing. Also, bring your kitty to the vet annually to get a checkup. Most dental disease is treatable if you don’t prevent them in time.
Rachel Poli is a content writer and author, but her real job is being a stay-at-home pet mom. Her zoo currently consists of a dog, a cat, two turtles, and two fish tanks. She’s also an avid pet sitter for a few local families, caring for various animals.
After realizing how little information there is for pet sitters on the internet, Rachel decided to start her own animal website. She strives to educate pet parents and pet sitters about the overall care of our furry friends.