It is extremely important that your cat’s teeth are in good shape because like humans, cats also suffer from dental problems. As a result, they may lose their appetite and become weak. Generally, owners don’t take dental health of cats seriously but an astounding 85% of adult cats have periodontal disease and it is by far the most occurring disease in cats.
Dental Diseases in Cats
1. Periodontal Disease Tartar builds up in the teeth of cats known as plaque. It is a yellowish-white deposit visible on the teeth. This may be because of the different kinds of food they eat of which some deposits on the teeth and accumulates, pushing the bacteria in the gums affecting the teeth bone and gums. Subsequently, teeth may become loose and fall.
Its symptoms are inflamed gums, swelling, gum bleeding or bad breath. It can be treated by using antibiotics, cleaning the teeth or extraction in serious cases. However, bad breath is also caused when a cat is teething and will subside once the cat grows its permanent teeth.
2. Feline Stomatitis Also known as Lymphocytic Plasmacytic Stomatitis (LPS), stomatitis is a disease in which the cat’s body becomes allergic to the plaque in the teeth. It is frequently found in cats with autoimmune conditions such as FIV or FeLV. It is also very often found along with gingivitis.
Its symptoms include inflammation of the mouth which may extend to the throat that cause red lesions and look like cobblestones. It is also very painful and may affect the appetite of the cat. Such a cat may also be seen pawing at its mouth.
3. Feline Odontoclastic Oral Resorption Lesions (FORL) These sore lacerations are cause when a shallow hole forms in the enamel and dentine of the cat’s tooth. Plaque gathers over here affecting the tissues surrounding that tooth. In extreme cases, the hole may go deeper into the tooth pulp subsequently destroying the tooth completely.
Its symptom is inflammation and is detected through an oral examination or an oral radiograph. More often than not, the tooth is extracted.
4. Malocclussion This disease can be detected by oral examination as it is visible. It may cause eating disorders coupled with a weight loss.
Ways to Keep up Dental Health
There are a lot of ways in which you can avoid or control your cat’s ailment. These have been given below:
1. Veterinary Dental Exam
A regular visit to your cat’s vet is extremely important. He will check for any possible tartar accumulating, lesions or any other tooth problem that the cat might have. If he finds some, he will cure it by doing whatever procedure is suitable, for example, scaling the teeth, extraction, etc.
2. Annual Veterinary Re-examination
Make sure that you ask your doctor to check your cat’s teeth during the yearly check up of the cat. However, if the cat has had teeth problems or is indicating any, then such check-ups should be made bi-annually.
3. Monthly Examination at Home
First make your cat used to brushing its teeth. Once it has achieved that, monthly oral checkups by you will be easy.
4. Floss Yes!
Flossing goes a long way in helping clean a cat’s teeth too! There are many rope-type chew toys available in the market that help a cat floss its own teeth.
5. Home Dental Care
There are many things that you can incorporate in your cat’s routine at home which will not only improve the cat’s dental health but also prevent it from catching any such disease either. Some of these are:
* Brushing
Brushing daily or at least two times in a week is essential for your cat’s dental health. Small tooth brushes suitable for cats are available in the market. You can even get those that easily slip on the finger. Cats do not like their teeth getting cleaned so it is advised to start brushing the cat’s teeth when it is young so it gets used to it at an early age. However, you must not brush all the teeth on the first day. Start with one tooth and add more teeth as days pass so the kitten can get used to it easily. There are also many fish-flavored tooth pastes in the market that can help increase the cat’s interest.
* Rinsing the Mouth
Rinsing the mouth regularly is not a substitute for brushing but it can be done if you haven’t brushed the cat’s teeth or if the cat has dental problems. Some of the products in this respect are antiseptic dental gels, rinses and sprays.
* Chewing
There are many “dental chews†available in the market for cats. They have a rough surface which helps in removing any food accumulated in the cat’s teeth. Those of you who feed your cats raw may also give raw chicken wing tips which will serve the same objective.
Following all the above instructions and advice regularly will go a long way in keeping the dental health of your cat in good shape. However, if you do suspect something, do not wait until the cat starts showing all the symptoms of the disease before you take it to the vet.
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