Cat teeth are uniquely different from dogs; none of the teeth of cats have grinding surfaces. Studies report that between 50 and 90% of cats older than four years of age suffer from some form of dental disease, but fortunately the most common forms of these diseases are largely preventable or treatable with appropriate preventive dental care and monitoring. Generally, the sooner the problem is identified, the easier and quicker it is to treat. The destruction of the tissues that attach the tooth to both the soft and bony structures that anchor the tooth may lead to loose teeth and tooth loss. Knowing the subtle signs of oral problems in cats and getting prompt care is critical to maintaining your cat’s quality and duration of life. Aging cats are susceptible to dental issues like gum disease and feline tooth resorption, a disease in which teeth dissolve at the roots. Dental health is an important part of your cat’s annual visit, and your veterinarian will use that time to evaluate your cat’s overall health as … Cradle your cat from behind. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island, Rewards (either an edible treat or a drink from her favorite water faucet). You can buy a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for your cat at your vet's office. In cats with good oral health, the bacteria that live in this film are believed to be beneficial, and the plaque that harbors them accumulates above the line where the base of the teeth meets the gums (gingiva). Dental disease in cats can cause serious pain and discomfort, which can impact a cat’s quality of life. In some cases, cats with gingivitis will show a preference for soft foods. Older cats are susceptible to such problems as arthritis, obesity, vision and hearing problems and dementia, as well as a host of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, kidney or liver disease and thyroid problems. This problem is the most common oral disease found in cats, affecting up to 60 percent of domestic felines. To treat feline tooth resorption, a veterinarian will aim to manage the cat’s pain, prevent the condition from progressing, and restore the function of the tooth or teeth as much as possible. The cause of tooth resorption is not known. Other times, the cause of cat teeth falling out can simply be due to age progression, usually at the age of 10 years or more. In most cases, however, a cat’s loss of one, two, or possibly all of her teeth will occur as the result of tooth resorption, the progressive development of destructive lesions on an animal’s teeth and gum tissue. After all, cats don't smile by pulling their lips off their teeth, and it can seem like a dangerous thing to do, sticking your fingers in where they aren't welcome. Week 1: Inspect your cat's teeth for tartar. Gently stretch your cat's lips far enough to insert the brush gently between the lips and gums. Pay attention to problems in your cat's mouth, such as bad breath or bleeding gums. The thing about dental disease is that it certainly can do harm to the vital organs, including the kidneys. Given that gingivitis leads to periodontitis, most cats with periodontitis will show signs of gingivitis (redness, swelling, bleeding along the gingiva at the base of the teeth), and may also be reluctant or unwilling to eat, drool, turn their heads to the side when chewing, and develop halitosis. In periodontitis, the tissues that attach the tooth to the underlying gums and bone are weakened as a result of damaging substances produced by disease-causing bacteria and the inflammation caused by the cat’s own immune system. Does My Cat Have Toothache? To treat feline periodontitis, your veterinarian will recommend removing plaque and mineral buildup by scaling and polishing the teeth while trying to save the teeth wherever possible. Begin by putting your cat’s toothpaste on your finger and offering it to them to lick. Hold your cat’s head steady with one hand and use … The bacteria releases toxins below the gum line, that causes an inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis. The cat’s temperature will also drop sharply while sedated. Cats also need complete dental cleanings done under anesthesia at the veterinary clinic periodically. Periodontal disease, tooth resorption, stomatitis, malocclusions, oral tumors and oral trauma are all cat teeth problems that can occur. Periodontal disease is a term used to describe infection and associated inflammation of the periodontium and begins with gingivitis. Tooth resorption is the most common cause of tooth loss in cats, and between 30 and 70% of cats show some sign of this destructive process. Not only that, but the rest of the soft tissue in the mouth, including the tongue, roof of the mouth, and mucosal tissues can also be affected. Fractured teeth are seen fairly commonly in cats, especially on the tips of the sharp canine teeth, which are prone to breaking off when something firm is bitten into. Females and cats over five years of age are more prone to tooth resorption. The exact cause of stomatitis isn't well understood by scientists yet, but it is thought to be an autoimmune process where the body overreacts to the bacteria in the mouth, attacking its own tissue along with the microbes. Checking for Dental Problems Lift your cat’s lips. When plaque formed from saliva and bacteria inside the mouth is left untreated, it turns into a yellow layer known as tartar. The best way to prevent gingivitis in cats is to regularly remove plaque build-up by tooth brushing (see Figure 1). Tooth Resorption This disease under the gum line eventually leads to loosening of the teeth. Diseases of the teeth and gums are common in cats. The best way to help your cat avoid periodontal disease is by brushing his teeth routinely at home with a small brush and pet toothpaste and having him checked over by a veterinarian regularly. Sign up for the FREE Cat Health Mewsletter. Most cats have some degree of periodontal disease by the time they are two or three years of age. Brush around gently, and work around the upper and lower teeth. If your cat is shy about tasting it, put a tiny dab near his or her mouth so he or she can lick it off. Put a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and let him or her lick it off. Dental Problems in Cats. There is little or no evidence that treating gingivitis with antibiotics alone is effective. Over time, calcium is deposited in the plaque which hardens into tartar or calculus. In extreme cases, a cat may lose one or more teeth. Stomatitis is a dental condition that occurs in some cats in which the gums become extremely inflamed and painful. Brush your cat's teeth regularly. In fact, x-rays are usually done when a person is bitten by a young cat to ensure that a tooth tip hasn't been left inside the person. Things to look for include: Cavities. Periodontal disease: The most common dental problem in cats is periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and periodontitis. This allows the bacteria access to the connective tissue below the teeth where the cat’s immune system will probably react by making the gums inflamed and painful. Cats with stomatitis often develop ulcers on the soft tissues of the mouth, and they might drool excessively. Extracting all or most of the teeth is not as bad as it sounds. Initially, a bot will ask questions to determine the general nature of your concern. Tooth resorption is a process in which the tooth structure breaks down, beginning inside the tooth, and often progressing to other parts of the tooth. The most common dental problems seen in cats are gingivitis, periodontal, and tooth resorption. Senior cats often struggle with these health concerns on a daily basis. It is prudent for cat owners to keep a regular check of their cat’s mouth and seek veterinary attention if they notice anything amiss. It is important to use only tooth gel or toothpaste designed specifically for cats, as human products can be toxic to cats. Periodontal disease is a gum disease that is common among cats. Some researchers believe that the onset of gingivitis may be caused by a shift in the populations of bacteria in plaque from normal, healthy species, to disease-causing species. Tooth resorption can be very painful, so affected cats may be reluctant or unwilling to eat, may drool, turn their heads to the side while eating, and may be irritable. This leads to infection and inflammation of the gums, and can sometimes cause teeth to become loose and fall out. https://www.petmd.com/cat/slideshows/8-common-dental-problems-cats Tooth Resorption. Brush your cat's teeth once a month to keep his mouth healthy. The appropriate pain relief for your kitty's toothache depends on the treatment for the exact problems … Thomas: You’re certainly in a tricky situation, Scarlet. If there is significant damage, it can be difficult to extract the entire tooth. Often, cats with stomatitis rub at their mouths with their paws and have decreased or absent appetites. Follow this four-week training program to get your cat comfortable with daily brushing. Cats with oral cancer often drool excessively, act lethargic, drop food out of their mouths when they try to eat, paw at their mouths with their front paws, and often appear painful and lethargic. It can occur on the roof of the mouth, under the tongue, or along the inside or outside of the gum lines. Cats eat well without their teeth. Cat’s have evolved to eat meat, and not chew or grind plant material. But cats can suffer from dental issues that, if unchecked, can lead to serious health problems. They can lead to bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, loose teeth, and oral pain, and difficulty eating. Gingivitis is a condition in which the gums around the teeth become inflamed (red, swollen, and painful). There are a variety of home remedies for feline gingivitis you can use to keep your cat's teeth and gums in good working order. Feline tooth resorption is another common dental issue. An Indication of Disease or Injury. Broken teeth are prone to developing infections and can be painful if left untreated. Broken teeth are prone to developing infections and can be painful if left untreated. The good news about the earliest phase of gum disease is that it's reversible with proper care. When the teeth have actually rotted beyond repair work, they often fall out, and this is often the first sign of feline dental disease that cat owners discover. Not only do kitties with dental problems have trouble eating and experience tremendous pain, their bad teeth can even lead to potentially fatal systemic infections. Cats are secretive by nature, and it can be difficult to tell if a cat is experiencing oral discomfort. If not regularly removed, plaque migrates deeper toward where the gingiva meets the base of the tooth. This is visible as a hard cream or yellow colored deposit on the tooth enamel, typically found alongside the gumline. Calculus provides a rough surface that disease-causing species of bacteria can attach to. Week 4: Depending upon the severity of the gingivitis, cats may be hesitant to eat, may turn their heads unusually while eating, may stop eating, drool, or develop bad breath (halitosis). Notice: Ask-a-Vet is an affiliated service for those who wish to speak with a veterinary professional about their pet's specific condition. The three most common dental diseases in cats are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption, and the severity of each of these conditions can vary significantly. Problems that cause toothache in cats include tooth decay, tooth resorption -- which is caused by decay below the gum line -- inflamed gums and fractured teeth. In many cases, dental disease causes a cat to stop eating, which leads to a variety of health problems. Gingivitis. Like people, cats need to have their teeth cleaned regularly. There is a charge for the service if you choose to connect to a veterinarian. Instead, bring it up to your veterinarian, who can do a thorough oral examination and diagnose the source of the odor. Bad breath, or halitosis, is common in cats. Let your cat become familiar with the smell of the toothpaste. If you need to turn your head … Cup his chin and slowly lift up his lip. Decay is usually below the gum line. You can even … Gingivitis may also be brought on by a number of infectious or systemic diseases, including feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline calicivirus, severe kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune disease. When caused by one of these systemic diseases, gingivitis may be accompanied by inflammation or sores in other parts of the pink mucous lining of the mouth, a condition known as stomatitis. If the teeth are extracted early in the disease process, the procedure generally results in significant improvement or complete resolution of the inflammation in 60% to 80% of cats. Characterized by red, swollen gums, gingivitis is quite common in cats, occurring in up to 90 percent of cats once they pass their fourth birthday. Dental problems are one of the most common problems vets encounter with cats. It’s not normal for a cat’s breath to smell fishy or rotten. Dental problems are the most common disease that we see in cats. It is not the calculus itself that promotes an inflammatory response, but rather the bacteria that attach to the calculus. Cats that are infected with FIV or FELV are more likely to develop stomatitis than other cats, and there are certain breeds of cats that are represented more highly as being affected by this condition. Cats may keep their coats clean, but their teeth are a different story. You can learn more about it here: "Stomatitis in Cats.". Stomatitis is treated with antibiotics, pain medications, tooth cleaning, and extraction of teeth. Plaque, a thin coat of bacteria, accumulates on the teeth, then it progresses to tartar, leading to gum inflammation. Luckily for cats who have already developed gingivitis, the condition is usually reversible. Typically, cat teeth problems are signaled by bad breath, drooling, pawing the mouth and sometimes sneezing and coughing. These conditions are caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar between the teeth and the gums. Companion Animal Hospital in Ithaca, NY for cats, dogs, exotics, and wildlife, Equine and Nemo Farm Animal Hospitals in Ithaca, NY for horses and farm animals, Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island for every horse, Ambulatory and Production Medicine for service on farms within 30 miles of Ithaca, NY, Animal Health Diagnostic Center New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, New York 14853-6401. The issue can develop in any of a cat’s 30 teeth. Cavities in felines typically form under the gums, making them difficult to detect. Good dental hygiene can prevent many dental conditions. Tooth crowding and insufficient oral health care may contribute to plaque accumulation. While you should be looking at your cat's teeth periodically yourself, it is easy to miss the types of problem signs that a trained and experienced veterinarian will pick up on. This problem arises when the integrity of the... Cracks and Fractures. Excessive drooling can be a sign of a variety of diseases or injury … By the time a cat shows unmistakable signs of mouth pain, such as drooling or teeth chattering, dental problems usually are well advanced. Periodontitis is almost always the result of untreated gingivitis, so controlling this inciting process is crucial. There are dangers to placing an older cat under anesthetic. Senior care, almost by definition, means being able to juggle many different factors and evaluating your patient as a whole. Back when I was a child, what we now know about cat tooth infections wasn’t known and it wasn’t the done thing to put them under for a clean. Oral cancer in cats is typically extremely aggressive, destroying the tissue around it and delving into the bone quickly. Give a reward when your cat licks the toothpaste so he or she associates the toothpaste with an enjoyable experience. Then, you will be transferred to a human. Oral tumors can be debulked, which means that as much as possible is surgically removed, but it has usually already spread or invaded the bone by the time it gets large enough to cause symptoms. When plaque becomes hardened by absorbing minerals from both the saliva and from the gingiva itself, it is referred to as calculus or tartar. Periodontitis In addition to these signs, they may show recession of the gingiva, exposure of tooth root surfaces, and mobility of the teeth. Get your cat used to the taste of the toothpaste. If your cat has bad breath, it's crucial that you don't ignore it, thinking it's normal for cats to have a stinky mouth. A complete evaluation of cats with periodontitis involves probing the gums, and examining X-rays of the head and jaw, which require anesthesia. A mass in the mouth might be noticed and removed more quickly then, while it may still be treated effectively. Nowhere is this truer than with the senior cat, who often blesses us with the combination of multiple manageable conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and dental disease, among others. Tooth resorption in cats is usually first identified as a pinkish defect in the tooth at the line where the tooth meets the gums. ~ Scarlet. Disease-causing bacteria that accumulate on and below the gums produce substances that damage the cells that form a barrier between the gums and the teeth. The recommended treatment will depend upon how severe your cat’s case is and on the underlying cause, and may involve cleaning your cat’s teeth at home, giving him or her antibiotics (either taken as a pill or as an oral rinse), scaling of inflammation-inducing plaque from the teeth (which usually requires anesthesia), the use of immunosuppressive drugs, and in extreme cases, the removing of teeth that may serve as sources of inflammation. 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