About Gum Disease in Cats

Identification

• Gum disease in cats, also known as periodontal disease, is the condition most known for upsetting the oral health of cats, with around 80 to 90 percent of the feline population being affected (See Resources). Most cats older than two years old struggle with some form or degree of gum disease.

Causes

• Besides poor hygiene and plaque buildup, cats can get gum disease from other sources. For example, overcrowded teeth can make food become trapped between teeth, leading to tartar and gum disease. Milk teeth that are retained can also force food to be trapped between teeth, promoting tartar build up. Genetics is another factor as some cats have better genes than others to fight gum disease.
  Although all cats can get gum disease, typically, pure-bred cats are more susceptible than cats that are cross-bred. Because the Peke-faced Persian is a breed known for overcrowding teeth, they're more at risk for gum problems.

Symptoms

• Owners can usually detect symptoms of periodontal diseases by doing a close examination. Bad breath is a key symptom, as well as reddened, yellow or brown deposits on gum edges. In advanced stages, gum edges resemble rough crusts. Receding gums that show exposed tooth roots also reveal a high likelihood there's a problem.
  Other symptoms include chewing difficulties and mouth pain shown by a cat pawing his mouth or rubbing a side of his mouth on the ground. Refusing to eat, drooling, difficulties closing the mouth and swallowing are signs. In severe cases, drool can be tinged with blood.

Types

• Gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease, is when inflammation and infections spread from the gums to the bones and ligaments supporting a cat's teeth. Plaque forms on teeth in the early stages and then hardens, becoming tarter (calculus). Yellow in color, tartar is visible along the gum meeting the teeth. If not treated, teeth lose support and fall out.
  The worst form of gingivitis is Plasmactic-Lymphocytic Stomatitis (LPGS), a gum disease is so severe that a cat's body is allergic to plaque surrounding the teeth. A sign of LPGS is marked inflammation where the gum line and tooth meet. A thorough examination, including a biopsy, is needed for a proper diagnosis.

Prevention/Solution

• Brush your cat's teeth weekly with toothpaste made for cats. Also check for irregularities. You can use toothbrushes designed for small puppies on most cats, but never use human toothpaste. To introduce your cat to brushing, gently rub and massage his teeth, making small circular motions with your finger. After he gets used to this, graduate to a toothbrush.
  Besides looking for abnormalities, run your finger along the edges to check for defects, broken or loose teeth. Note any discoloration or bad breath.
  Limit or omit wet food as this can lead to plaque buildup, resulting in gum disease. Have your vet check your cat's teeth and gums annually. Provide non-splintering bones that can help remove tartar.

Misconceptions

• Often owners are deceived, thinking that gum disease only hurts a cat's mouths. Bacteria can travel from the tooth by the bloodstream to other organs such as the heart, kidneys, lungs and liver where they may lead to serious and even fatal diseases.

Warnings

• Too often cat owners are unaware of the signs and dangers of gum disease. As a result, they only take their cats to the vet when there are problems of a cat swallowing or closing its mouths. However, this is too late as gum problems are already in an advanced stage.
  Gum diseases can spread to your cat's sinuses, making the face swell, most often, just under the eyes. When this happens, antibiotics, as well as dental cleaning and extraction must be done.