Common Dental Diseases In Cats

Dental complications account for one of the most common health issues we address at Cat Vet. We all need to maintain pain-free dental health, but when it comes to cats, early detection of risks, symptoms, and even the presence of dental diseases can be quite difficult since our feline friends are excellent at hiding pain. They will often eat normally despite significant dental pain. Dental disease tends to be more common and severe as cats get older, but that doesn’t mean younger cats are not prone to dental illnesses. An estimated 85% of cats aged three and older have some sort of dental disease. Dental disease in cats is commonly associated with the accumulation of dental plaque (a complex film of bacteria that develops on the surface of the teeth, just as in humans) and tartar formation, which affects the teeth and the structures around the teeth that support and keep them healthy. If plaque is left undisturbed, it can become hardened due to calcium buildup. The resultant hardened, calcified plaque is called tartar. You may have seen your cat’s teeth before; it is clearly visible with a cream, yellow, or yellow/brown hard deposit on the tooth surface. Removing the plaque as soon as possible is important because it is the most common underlying cause of dental/periodontal disease. So, how do we know when or if our cats need to seek medical help for their teeth and gums? What do we need to look out for, and most importantly, how do we prevent our cats from any type of dental disease?

Prevention

You will hear medical professionals say this over and over again – Prevention is better than cure. Cats should ideally have their teeth examined by a vet at least once every year. If your pet has a history of dental issues, we recommend more frequent medical checks, at least every 6 months, depending on the condition. Your vet should also check your cat’s teeth during his or her annual vaccination consultation. Veterinary prescription diets dedicated to dental health definitely do help, and dry food is recommended over wet food as it can reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar. Feline dental chews and treats can easily be found and also help to reduce (but not completely eliminate) plaque and tartar accumulation. Dental healthcare should be started at a young age so the kitten can easily adapt to the routine. Brushing your cat’s teeth regularly is the basic method to maintain dental health. Some cats may not tolerate brushing, no matter how hard we try. Mouth Washing can be an alternative option which reduces bacterial growth in the mouth. While it is likely that your cat will need dental treatment at some point in their life, consistent home dental care can significantly improve oral health and reduce the necessity for dental procedures.

Signs of Dental Issues

As mentioned previously, our feline friends are experts at hiding pain, making it difficult for us to detect whether they are in need of medical assistance. However, there are some clear symptoms that we can always look out for as signs of dental issues: • Drooling • Swelling • Redness of gums • Loss of appetite • Preferring wet food over dry • Discomfort while eating • Bad breath

Cat Dental Procedures Performed by CatVet

The vet will most likely check your cat’s overall dental health briefly during regular or preventive checkups. If dental issues are present, we will recommend a dental procedure that includes x-rays, scaling, polishing, and possible extractions. Through oral x-rays, the roots of teeth can be seen, which can detect any potential extractions. All cats could benefit from routine oral care to reduce plaque buildup and improve their overall gum health. If you would like to start preventative dental care but are not sure where to start, give us a call at 800CATVET – 04 380 1009.