Oral health is vital to your cat’s overall wellness. Your cat needs their mouth, teeth, and gums to feed and vocalize, so when they are diseased or injured, they endure pain and can’t eat or communicate normally. Bacteria and infections that cause oral health problems in cats won’t stay in their mouths. Untreated infection and germs from your cat’s mouth can damage their kidneys, liver, and heart, affecting their general health and longevity.
What are the most common dental issues for cats?
What are the most prevalent dental problems in cats? Keep reading for more info.
Periodontal Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is the major cause of serious oral health issues in cats, affecting around 70% by age 3. Plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar above and below the gum line without regular cleaning, resulting in swollen, bleeding, or irritated gums. If left untreated, the disease can cause bad breath, gum pus, fever, jaw bone degeneration, and tooth loss. The infection can also affect the major organs of the body. Maintaining your furry friend’s routine professional dental cleanings is the most effective strategy to prevent gum disease.
Resorption of the Teeth
Tooth resorption is a painful disorder caused by biological processes that erode the tooth’s structure from the outer enamel along the gum line toward the pulp-containing interior of the tooth. Sometimes, lesions on the teeth resemble caries, which are uncommon in felines. The impacted teeth will certainly require extraction in the future.
Dental Fracturing
Cats’ teeth become brittle and liable to shatter as they age. Teeth that have fractured through to the dentin or pulp tissues will likely need to be extracted since the afflicted tooth will be extremely painful and in danger of developing an infection or tooth root abscess.
Stomatitis
This painful and debilitating disorder is caused by an overactive immune system’s reaction to the periodontal disease-causing bacteria. It is characterized by ulceration or inflammation of the mouth’s soft tissues. While some cats may react to medicinal treatment and diligent oral hygiene, the most effective treatment for this condition is typically tooth extraction from places like Cat Clinic of Seattle.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is the fourth most prevalent kind of cancer in cats. It can form in the tongue, lips, gums, and soft palate, among other oral cavity regions. Early diagnosis and treatment of sickness increase the chance of complete recovery.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Brushing and cleaning your cat’s mouth regularly is the most effective strategy to avoid the development of dental problems. Your cat’s gums and teeth will be healthier if plaque is removed before it causes damage or infection. Once a year, bring your cat in for a professional dental checkup and cleaning to maintain the health of its teeth and if you still don’t have a vet in your area, simply look up “veterinary dentist near me”
Conclusion
It is best to start the procedure of cleaning your cat’s teeth and gums when they are still a kitten since they will be able to get used to it more quickly. This will help prevent oral health problems from ever occurring in the first place. If your cat would not allow you to brush their teeth, dental treats and diets can be used to keep their teeth healthy.
