Cat Mouth Infections

Feline Halitosis

• Halitosis is another term for "bad breath." In cats, halitosis is caused by a buildup of food and bacteria or an infection. Unfortunately, bad breath is often a symptom of other diseases lurking in your cat. Cats who suffer from bad breath can also have other oral diseases or conditions as well as more serious diseases such as kidney or heart disease, along with numerous other health issues. Halitosis can be prevented with regular oral examinations by your veterinarian as well as daily brushing. You can also have your veterinarian clean your cat's mouth and remove tartar and plaque build up. This will help to eliminate bad breath and curb potential illnesses.

Periodontal Disease

• Periodontal disease is a process that starts when food and bacteria collect along the gum line of your cat, causing plaque. Plaque eventually hardens into tartar which will irritate the gums and cause gingivitis and bad breath. If the food, bacteria, plaque and tartar are not removed or treated, it will lead to periodontal disease. Once periodontal disease occurs, there can be a great deal of pain, oral abscesses, loose teeth, infections and both loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for feline periodontal disease. However, your veterinarian can clean and polish your cat's teeth to help stop any additional periodontal disease from causing any additional damage.

Feline Gingivostomatitis

• Also known as gingivitis and stomatitis, gingivostomatitis is a condition in which a cat becomes prone to developing chronic diseases of the mouth (gingivitis, stomatitis). Gingivitis occurs when the gums become inflamed and stomatitis occurs when the mucous membranes in the back of the mouth become inflamed. Treating gingivostomatitis can be difficult because the lesions are extremely painful and often reoccur. Treatment is often for life and involves medications such as antibiotics, daily home cleanings and in severe cases, surgical removal of the affected teeth.

Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions

• Better known as "tooth resorption," feline oral resorptive lesions (FORLs) are extremely painful and occur in cats who are four years or older. Tooth resorption occurs when the tooth is slowly reabsorbed by the body, usually starting at the surface of the outer enamel, just below the gum line. This condition can occur on one tooth or multiple teeth and spread through the entire mouth. Ideal treatment involves removing the affected teeth but in some rare cases the tooth may be a candidate for restoration using glass ionomer or sealants.

Oral Care

• Providing your cat with proper dental care is extremely important in preventing any type of oral affliction. While brushing your cat may not be ideal, there are plenty of tartar reducing or plaque reducing dental treats which can help remove buildups and bacteria in your cat's mouth. Regular check ups combined with dental cleanings with your veterinarian can also help detect and treat oral conditions before they progress into more severe infections or diseases.