Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so staying proactive with their dental health can be a real game-changer. Among the common oral diseases, periodontal disease in cats develops progressively, and can become quite seriously detrimental to a cat's general health if it is not treated. This blog answers 8 frequently asked questions about periodontal disease in cats. Let's start from basics:
1. What is periodontal disease in Cats?
Periodontal disease is a type of gum disease. It is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting a cat's teeth. The Greek prefix 'peri' suggests 'around,' and 'odont' translates to 'tooth.' In the feline host, periodontal disease results in inflammation that, over time, damages the deep-supporting structures of the teeth. If left unchecked, the disease can even cause irreversible tooth loss and other health complications.
2. How Does Periodontal Disease Develop in Cats?
In a healthy kitten, the enamel is smooth. Over time as they grow and eat, though, their teeth acquire a bacterial film known as plaque. This is pretty easy to remove from the surfaces of smooth enamel but eventually it hardens into tartar, which is tough to remove from the tooth.
The rough surface of tartar further collects bacteria. These bacteria irritate the gums and provoke inflammation, or gingivitis. This when left untreated leads to a deterioration of gums. The bacteria hide inside the supporting tissue surrounding the tooth weakening the bond between the tooth and gums.
Advanced levels of periodontal disease cause severe pain. Leading to the loss of a tooth and infection that results in some secondary diseases like heart, kidney, and liver infection. This may be a long process that runs for even years; however, it is reversible in its initial stage without treatment.
3. What are the Signs and Symptoms of Feline Periodontal Disease?
Cats hide their discomfort and pain; thus, the condition might remain unnoticed in cats. Nevertheless, these are the definite signs of Feline periodontal disease:
- Yellowish deposits around the teeth
- Red and swollen gums that easily bleed
- Constant bad breath
- Pus around a tooth
- Pain when touching the mouth
- Rubs on face
- Loss of teeth or are loose
- Loss of appetite or refusing to eat
- Drooling or vomiting
- Changes in gastrointestinal tract or behaviors
If a cat shows some or all of the symptoms above, then an oral examination by a veterinarian is mandatory. Many cat owners have reported that behavior and mood improve immediately after dental treatment.
4. What are the Factors Contributing to Feline Periodontal Disease?
No cat is equally vulnerable to periodontal disease. Some cats are predisposed to higher susceptibility than others due to a number of factors:
- Age and General Health: Dental disease in cats is more common as they age. Conditions like FIV and feline leukemia virus can increase susceptibility
- Diet and Litter Box Moaning Behavior: Cats on dry diets may take longer to have plaque formation than their wet-fed relatives, as kibble removes plaque from the teeth
- Breed and Genetics: Siamese and other oriental breeds along with short-haired breeds are more susceptible to gum disease, which may be attributed to either genetic predisposition or the malocclusion
- Grooming Habits: Cats that groom themselves often are more likely to accumulate hair around their teeth and therefore, encourage more tartar formation
- Home Dental Care: Cats that receive regular tooth brushing are less likely to end up with periodontal disease.
5. How to Prevent Gum Disease in Cats?
Since feline periodontal disease is irreversible, prevention is the only alternative. Introducing your kitten to frequent brushing of its teeth and visits to the doctor will be to your advantage. Here are few tips incorporated into a dental care regime for cats:
- Early Onset: Teach your cat from an early age to accept cleaning and inspections of their teeth and oral cavity.
- Daily Oral Hygiene: Brush at least once a day. Brushing removes plaque, and the end-result is not the hardening of tartar.
- Dental Tartar Control Products: There are also several products that can be used to control dental tartar deposits - Use products that help reduce plaque formation including; Vet Aquadent, Plaque Off and Logic Oral Hygiene Gel. Discuss which product will best help your cat with your veterinarian.
- Veterinary Wellness Checks: Your veterinarian can keep an eye on your cat and have him professionally cleaned when it is necessary.
Here are some dental diets, containing food kibbles that mechanically clean the cat's teeth through chewing by the cat.
Royal Canin Oral Care
- The specially designed kibble helps reduce and control plaque and tartar
- Lowered incidence of tummy problems because of reduced tartar improving digestive health
- Higher quality of protein on healthy toning of muscles and well-being
Hill's Science Plan Feline Oral
- The delectable kibble aids in removing plaque and dental cleaning alongside preventing it
- Tartar is controlled along with maintaining dental health .
Royal Canin Vet Diet Feline Dental
- Nutrients in the diet do not form tartar and make bad breath
- Special blend of fiber ensures no formation of hairballs and also urinary health.
Hill's Prescription Diet Feline t/d
- Oral kibble shape that is differently built to ensure a better dental hygiene with less plaque and tartar formation
- Formation of Plaque decreases when a diet with less protein and calcium
- Cats with severe periodontal disease cannot be given this diet.
- It's possible to prevent dental and periodontal disease in cats by following an overall dental care program using these products and recommended diets.
6. How is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed in Cats?
The treatment given to a feline periodontal disease once diagnosed would depend upon how severe the case is. Dental diseases are graded by veterinarians in order to track the progression of the disease:
- Grade I (Early Gingivitis): There is some accumulation of plaque and slight inflammation. This stage is reversible with professional cleaning
- Grade II (Advanced Gingivitis): Moderate subgingival plaque and noticeable inflammation of the gums. Although regular cleanings and improved home care might reverse the condition, it is not something that can be completely reversed
- Grade III (Early Periodontitis): Subgingival plaque has formed, and recession of the gums is initiated. Subgingival calculus and up to 30% bone loss are possible. Treatment includes subgingival curettage and root planing. At this grade, periodontal destruction is typically irreversible
- Grade IV (Established Periodontitis): Extensive inflammation, bleeding or purulent fluid around the gums, mobility or absence of some teeth, and severe destruction of the bones. Based on the stage involved, cat gum disease tooth extraction is often considered a treatment.
In more severe cases, more intensive veterinary treatments are typically required; a few even require general anesthetic and additional treatments like deep cleaning, root planing, periodontal debridement, and even surgery to the periodontium. Cats that suffer with severe periodontal disease will need one or more extractions to completely alleviate their pain.
7. What types of aftercare Treatments are required for Cats with Periodontal Disease?
Your cat's oral health will depend upon aftercare following periodontal therapy. Your veterinarian may recommend the following:
- Home dental care: After your cat has recovered from any illness or trauma, establish a regular brushing routine. You might start with a soft finger brush and progress to a bristle brush.
- Prescription diets: Your veterinarian can suggest a specialised dry diet that can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Some diets are available in softer formulations for cats whose teeth are very sensitive.
Periodontal disease can be treated with regular check-ups in the cat. Your vet might want to see your cat every few months, especially after a treatment.
8. Do Regular Dental check-ups Help?
The only sure-shot way for the early detection of periodontal diseases is through a regular check-up at the veterinarian's place before it's advanced. Cats will not naturally display visible signs that you're aware of, but by monitoring them, you can avoid the pain and the complications associated with an advanced case of dental disease. Routine examinations provide the opportunity to acquire professional cleaning, x-rays, and complete oral evaluation.
Conclusion
After all, dental health for your feline friend might mean far beyond not having a foul breath or losing their teeth; it could be at stake for their well-being. Feline dental disease can lead to serious health conditions if left untreated; the disease not only affects the oral cavity but could eventually go through the entire body. Understanding periodontal disease will ensure that every possible preventive measure is taken so that your feline friend enjoys a longer life filled with happiness and well-being.
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