Cat Dental Care: Everything You Need To Know

While we may think that we would be able to spot the signs of oral concerns in our feline friends it may actually be harder than we expect. Our Seattle vets share some information about everything you should know about cat dental care.

Cat Dental Care

Your cat's dental health is incredibly important for the health and wellbeing of your feline friend, allowing them the ability to eat, drink, hunt and communicate as they should. If your cat is experiencing dental concerns then they may not only be in pain but may also be unable to do any of the things leading to a diminished quality of life. 

Another concern when your cat is experiencing dental health conditions is that the bacteria present in their mouth has the potential to enter the rest of their body creating widespread issues. If these issues are left untreated allowing the bacteria to spread throughout the body then it can damage their organs such as their kidneys, liver and heart and leading to more serious impacts to their overall health and longevity of your feline friend.

Symptoms of Dental Conditions in Cats

Specific symptoms will differ between conditions, however, if you notice any of the following behaviors or symptoms, there is a chance that your cat is suffering from dental disease.

If your cat is experiencing dental disease then they may experience symptoms such as:

If you notice any of the above signs of dental disease in your cat, bring them to your Seattle vet as soon as possible for examinations. The sooner your cat's dental disease is diagnosed and treated the better for your cat's long-term health.

Most Common Dental Diseases in Cats

While there is a wide range of health issues that can affect your cat's gums, teeth and other oral structures, there are three particularly common conditions to watch out for. 

Periodontal Disease

• Approximately 70% of all cats will develop some form of periodontal disease by the time they reach the age of 3. This disease is an infection caused by bacteria found in plaque—the soft film of bacteria and food debris that builds up on teeth over the course of the day. If your cat's plaque isn't regularly brushed away or cleaned, it will harden and form tartar that extends below their gum life. When the bacteria gets trapped below your cat's gum line and against their teeth, it will begin to irritate and erode the structures supporting your kitty's teeth. If untreated, periodontal disease can cause severe infection of your cat's gums, loose and missing teeth, and organ damage as the bacteria travels throughout your pet's 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 suffers from tooth resorption, their body begins to break down their tooth's hard outer layer, loosening it and causing pain. This destruction occurs below your cat's gumline so it can be challenging to detect without a dental x-ray. However, if your cat suddenly develops a preference for soft foods or swallows their food without chewing, they may be suffering from this condition.

How To Care For Your Cat's Dental Health

The absolute best way to help prevent the development of dental problems with your cat's teeth is to brush your cat's teeth regularly. 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. While this may seem far-fetched, if you begin the process while your feline friend is young it can become a normal and stress-free part of your cat's daily routine. If your cat won't tolerate you cleaning their teeth, dental treats and foods are also available to help you keep your cat's teeth healthy.

In order to help provide your cat with the best protection possible, you should bring them in once a year for a routine cleaning and checkup with their veterinary dentist.

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.