Calculus provides a rough surface that disease-causing species of bacteria can attach to. 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. 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. Cat’s have evolved to eat meat, and not chew or grind plant material. This leads to infection and inflammation of the gums, and can sometimes cause teeth to become loose and fall out. Sign up for the FREE Cat Health Mewsletter. 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 … You can buy a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for your cat at your vet's office. 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. In addition to these signs, they may show recession of the gingiva, exposure of tooth root surfaces, and mobility of the teeth. Cats eat well without their teeth. Let your cat become familiar with the smell of the toothpaste. Like people, cats need to have their teeth cleaned regularly. Bad breath, or halitosis, is common in cats. 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. Cats may keep their coats clean, but their teeth are a different story. Bad breath. Teeth can erode at varying speeds and different teeth may have different levels of deterioration. Every day, put a dab on your finger, and let him or her smell and lick it. Pay attention to problems in your cat's mouth, such as bad breath or bleeding gums. The best way to prevent gingivitis in cats is to regularly remove plaque build-up by tooth brushing (see Figure 1). 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. Broken teeth are prone to developing infections and can be painful if left untreated. Ask-a-Vet is not manned by the staff or owners of CatHealth.com, and the advice given should not delay or replace a visit to your veterinarian. Periodontal disease is a gum disease that is common among cats. Does My Cat Have Toothache? 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. If a cat has severe gingivitis, tooth brushing can be quite painful, so consult with a veterinarian before considering brushing the teeth of a cat with gingivitis. Deciding whether a senior cat should have its teeth cleaned can be difficult. The appropriate pain relief for your kitty's toothache depends on the treatment for the exact problems … However, some cavities may form on the surface of the teeth, so you may detect them while performing an inspection of your cat’s mouth. Give a reward when your cat licks the toothpaste so he or she associates the toothpaste with an enjoyable experience. It is important to use only tooth gel or toothpaste designed specifically for cats, as human products can be toxic to cats. Extracting all or most of the teeth is not as bad as it sounds. 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. Females and cats over five years of age are more prone to tooth resorption. By the time a defect like this shows up, the tooth is already significantly damaged. Good dental hygiene can prevent many dental conditions. Here are some of the most common dental and oral problems that occur in cats. Tooth resorption in cats is usually first identified as a pinkish defect in the tooth at the line where the tooth meets the gums. They can lead to bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, loose teeth, and oral pain, and difficulty eating. Get your cat used to the toothbrush. Some cats develop severe oral inflammation called stomatitis. Many people never see the inside of their cat's mouth. Dental problems are one of the most common problems vets encounter with cats. Cancer of the mouth is diagnosed relatively commonly in cats, and the primary oral cancer seen in them is squamous cell carcinoma. Week 4: Brush around gently, and work around the upper and lower teeth. 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. 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. 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). Put a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and let him or her lick it off. Tooth Resorption Senior care, almost by definition, means being able to juggle many different factors and evaluating your patient as a whole. Brush your cat's teeth regularly. First, plaque builds up on the teeth, and then it becomes tartar. Begin by putting your cat’s toothpaste on your finger and offering it to them to lick. If you need to turn your head … Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. Dental problems are the most common disease that we see in cats. Plaque, a thin coat of bacteria, accumulates on the teeth, then it progresses to tartar, leading to gum inflammation. 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. Periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria found in dental plaque. Tooth crowding and insufficient oral health care may contribute to plaque accumulation. Checking for Dental Problems Lift your cat’s lips. Notice: Ask-a-Vet is an affiliated service for those who wish to speak with a veterinary professional about their pet's specific condition. Many domestic cats develop dental problems as they get older, especially if they don't get professional dental work every year. Inspect your cat's teeth for tartar. Periodontal disease in cats is one of the most common and serious cat health problems-affecting approximately 70% of cats by the time they are 3 years old. In these cases, your veterinarian may consider amputating the crown of the tooth (the part visible above the gum line). When plaque formed from saliva and bacteria inside the mouth is left untreated, it turns into a yellow layer known as tartar. This problem arises when the integrity of the... Cracks and Fractures. Dental disease in cats can cause serious pain and discomfort, which can impact a cat’s quality of life. 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. If he or she is shy about licking it, apply a dab near the mouth. Aging cats are susceptible to dental issues like gum disease and feline tooth resorption, a disease in which teeth dissolve at the roots. Luckily for cats who have already developed gingivitis, the condition is usually reversible. Thomas: You’re certainly in a tricky situation, Scarlet. If gingivitis is not controlled, it can progress to periodontitis, a condition that eventually cannot be reversed. 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. ~ Scarlet. The most common dental problems seen in cats are gingivitis, periodontal, and tooth resorption. 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. Issues like gum disease and feline tooth resorption, a condition that occurs in some cats which! Is treated with antibiotics alone is effective aggressive, destroying the tissue around it delving... 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