Food for Cats With Dental Problems

Causes

• Dr. Hines states that, "The villain in tooth and gum disease in pets is plaque." Particles, food, saliva and bacteria combine to create the plaque substance that can lead to loss of teeth and gum infections. According to Dr. Barchas, cats are at a greater risk for dental problems if they eat a diet rich in soft wet foods than those who eat crunchy dry cat food.

Significance

• As with humans, bad teeth harm much more than just appearance for cats. Bacteria trapped in the cavities and gum line can spread throughout the body leading to permanent damage in organs like the kidneys, liver and heart. Untreated dental problems can lead to complicated autoimmune diseases, cancer, spinal disease, arthritis and diabetes. Dental issues can even cause heart failure. Meanwhile, your cat can suffer lethargy, pain, sinus infections, tooth loss and sepsis--all which lead to a decreased quality of life and lifespan. To avoid such serious conditions in your cat, talk to your vet about purchasing special dry cat food designed to remove tartar and plaque from teeth.

Signs and Symptoms

• Difficulty eating is one of the first signs you will notice that your cat may have dental problems. If you start to notice this difficulty, consider feeding your cat dry food that is made of small bite-size pieces that are easier to chew. Also, to make the dry food more appealing to your cat, try warming it up and adding bouillon and gravy to increase its smell. Other red flags for dental problems include bad breath, poor grooming, tongue outside of the mouth, lethargy, smelly coat, runny nose, weight loss and swelling.

Prevention/Solution

• Always feed your cat hard crunchy dry food rather than the soft wet kind to reduce the occurrence of periodontal disease. Crunchy cat food helps break down the plaque that accumulates on the gums, helping stimulate healthier teeth. If your vet finds signs of your cat developing periodontal disease, he may prescribe a special diet for your pet. For example, Hill's Company produces a dry cat food called "T/D" designed to reduce tartar and plaque, while VRx Pharmaceuticals has another specialized dry cat food called "C.E.T. Chews" with antibacterial enzymes to attack gingivitis and cleans teeth. Consult your vet for the best food for your cat's dental problems.

Considerations

• Dr. Hines warns owners not to give dry hard food to their cats if they are suffering from loose teeth, swelling and irritation in their mouth. He believes the hard food will only contribute to existing dental problems. In addition, hard food may be a dangerous choking hazard if the cat has a difficult time chewing and swallowing its food. To avoid problems, mix dry cat food with water to soften it just enough to make it easier to digest. A wise cat owner will talk about all cat food options with his vet.