Inadequate dental care can cause tooth and gum disease in cats, just like in people. Unlike humans, however, our feline companions have acquired the skill of concealing suffering and distress. Even while in excruciating agony, they maintain a stern demeanor, making it challenging to recognize when something is wrong.
Although it might be tough to detect whether your cat’s mouth is hurting, a few indicators could suggest anything is awry. They feel that dental treatment is an integral part of feline health care since they are veterinarians.
Changes in eating patterns or unwillingness to eat are the most visible indications of oral illness. Your cat may approach their food bowl but refuse to eat because they are uncomfortable. Alternatively, they may only consume a few nibbles before giving up.
Causes of Feline Oral Pain
Oral discomfort may significantly impact your cat’s quality of life. Tooth and gum disease can cause various difficulties, including trouble eating and a variety of other health issues. Oral pain affects cats for a variety of reasons.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis, or gum swelling, causes discomfort where the gums and teeth touch. It can also result in redness, edema, and bleeding in extreme situations. It can also make dry food harder for cats to consume.
A buildup of plaque usually causes gingivitis in cats. Plaque buildup is natural, but it will harden into tartar, a yellowish film that forms over the teeth if left unchecked. The rough surface of tartar provides an ideal environment for dangerous bacteria to infiltrate the gums and create gingivitis, a painful inflammation.
Fractured teeth
Fractures at the tip of the canine teeth (fangs) are common in cats. Because the pulp chamber in cats reaches so near to the tooth’s end, even minor fractures might expose sensitive pulp tissue. A shattered tooth can be very painful, and it almost always results in infection and pulp tissue death. A veterinary dentist can help you with oral problems with your pet.
Periodontitis
This disease can develop if gingivitis is not treated or controlled. Bacteria and inflammation damage the tissues that link the teeth to the gums in cats with periodontitis, leading to bone and tooth loss in most cases.
It can also raise your chances of developing heart, liver, or renal illness. There are typically no evident indicators in the early stages of gum disease, so by the time symptoms appear, your pet may already be suffering from severe illness. Signs are commonly seen in older cats with severe periodontal disease.
Tooth Resorption
The structure of a tooth breaks down, resulting in tooth resorption. It starts inside the tooth and spreads to other regions of the body. It affects 30 to 70 percent of cats and is the most prevalent cause of feline tooth discomfort and loss. Tooth resorption is hereditary and not related to oral hygiene.
Stomatitis
Stomatitis is a painful condition when the immune system fights plaque on the teeth. The oral cavity tissues become red, ulcerated, and thickened, making it difficult for afflicted cats to feed.
Stomatitis is a condition for which there is no effective medical therapy. Antibiotics, vitamins, probiotics, and other medications might temporarily mask inflammation, but none are beneficial. Most of the time, the pain relief provided by these medications is just temporary, and the agony returns immediately. You can get more details at this vet clinic.
Malocclusions
The connection between the jaws’ teeth is called occlusion. Malocclusion occurs when the relationship between the two is aberrant, resulting in an abnormal bite. Malocclusion can cause pain and make it difficult for cats to feed. To avoid oral problems, you should visit a vet regularly for your pet’s physical exam.
