Dr. Brian Hayes
Fellow, Academy of Feline Medicine

1705 First Avenue Mini-mall
(across from Eastdale Plaza)
(319) 351-2252

Cats Need Dental Care, Too!

Cats have a very small mouth that contains relatively few “chewing” teeth. This is why it is important to keep their mouth as healthy as possible.

The Cause of Dental Disease
The most common oral problem that cats face is gingivitis, inflammation of the gum tissue. It can be caused by immune system diseases, but can also be caused by plaque. Plaque is comprised of saliva, food particles and bacteria. It is the “white stuff” on your tongue or “peach fuzz” feeling you may have on your teeth in the morning.

If not brushed off, plaque will begin to harden and become tartar. The bacteria in the plaque and tartar invade the gumline causing infection and bleeding. The infection weakens the ligaments and bone that hold the tooth in the “socket” and can cause loose, painful and missing teeth. This advanced infection is called periodontal disease.

The infection also seeps into the bloodstream through the gums and can cause infections in the heart, kidneys, liver or virtually anywhere in the body.

Signs of Gingivitis:

Deep pink gums
Subdued behavior
Abnormal drooling
Bad Breath
Swallowing food
Dropping food whole out of the mouth
Yellow/brown crust on teeth
Going to the food bowl, but not eating
Changes in eating or chewing habits

Signs of Periodontal Disease:

Tooth loss
Abscessed teeth/roots
Severe gum recession

Another dental disease cats get is called resorptive lesions (also called “cat cavities”). These lesions are not the same disease as human cavities. Resorptive lesions are little holes that form on the teeth near where the tooth crown meets the gumline. These holes will get larger and larger, eventually exposing the sensitive nerve within the tooth. Finally the tooth crown breaks off and exposes the roots of the tooth to infection. The cause is unknown and this painful oral disease is seen in approximately 60% of all adult cats. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for these painful lesions and the only cure is to remove the tooth.

Treatment
Treatment of oral diseases includes: dental cleanings, x-rays, medications and procedures such as root planing and extractions, and prevention of recurrence.

Prevention
Brush, brush, brush! Daily brushing is the number one way to prevent tartar buildup and dental disease. (See “How to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth.”)

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