Dental complications are one of the most common health issues we see in cats of all ages. While dental health is crucial, signs of dental disease (or most diseases for that matter) can be quite difficult to detect at times, as our feline friends are masters at hiding pain. They will often eat normally despite significant dental pain.
Dental care is an important aspect of overall health for cats, especially senior cats. Dental issues can lead to various other health problems, so it’s crucial to pay attention to your cat’s oral hygiene. It is estimated that as many as 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 the formation of tartar, affecting the structures around the teeth, plus the teeth themselves. If plaque is left undisturbed, it can become hardened due to calcium buildup. The resulting hardened, calcified plaque is called tartar. Tartar is quite common in cats—it is the cream/yellow/brown hard deposit on the tooth surface. Plaque, on the other hand, is the most common underlying cause of periodontal diseases.
What should we watch for, and how do we prevent our cats from getting dental diseases? Get an insight into this blog.
Prevention
As medical professionals repeatedly say—prevention is key.
Cats should ideally have their teeth examined by a vet annually, and for cats that have had dental issues in the past or for senior cats, every 6 months, depending on the condition. Your vet should check your cat’s teeth during his or her annual vaccination consultation, also.
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 are easily accessible and can help reduce plaque and tartar, although they are usually not enough to fully eliminate them.
Brushing your cat’s teeth regularly is an effective way to maintain dental health (but most cats may not tolerate brushing, no matter how hard we try!). Mouth washing is also an option because it reduces bacterial growth in the mouth.
Most cats will likely need dental treatment eventually, but frequent and regular home dental care can significantly improve oral health.
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 the tell-tale signs of pain and discomfort.
-Drooling
-Swelling + Redness of gums
-Loss of appetite
-Preferring wet food over dry
-Discomfort while eating
-Bad breath
Dental Procedures Performed by a Vet
Your vet will most likely check your cat’s dental health briefly during checkups. If there are signs of dental issues, the doctor may suggest procedures including x-ray tests, scaling, polishing, and possible extractions. Oral x-rays allow visualisation of the roots of the teeth and detection of any abscess, trapped particles, bone loss or fractures.
All cats could benefit from routine oral care to reduce plaque buildup and improve their overall gum health. As cats age, they may be more prone to dental issues. It is important to ensure that your senior cat has regular wellness evaluations that include a focus on dental health.
If you would like to start preventative dental care but are not sure where to start, give us a call at 800 CATVET!
