Is Dental Treatment for Cats Necessary?

If you haven't taken a close look at your cat's teeth lately, you could be in for an expensive surprise. Irritated gums and tooth decay are not only unsightly and uncomfortable for your kitty, they could lead to major health problems like kidney disease or immunodeficiency Virus. Regular feline dental care is relatively inexpensive and easy to perform at home, so there's no reason for your kitty (or your wallet) to suffer.

  1. Symptoms of Cat Dental Disease

    • A cat with dental disease may paw at his mouth or face.

      If your cat's gums appear red or swollen, or if you notice ulcers, dark red streaks, or scabs on his tongue or gums, he may be suffering from gum disease. Other signs that something could be wrong inside your kitty's mouth include unusually foul breath, loose teeth, drooling, a sudden loss of appetite, difficulty chewing, or if he starts pawing at his face excessively. Contact your veterinarian if you think your cat needs a dental evaluation.

    Types of Dental Disorders

    • Gingivitis develops as a result of bacterium build-up along the teeth and gum line. What may at first appear to be simple swelling at the top of your cat's tooth can, over time, turn into an abscess or painful ulcer, if left untreated. symptoms of gingivitis may also be evidence of more serious illnesses, including Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Untreated gingivitis can invade the tooth socket and cause the tooth to loosen. This condition is known as "peritonitis" and can make chewing difficult and painful for your cat. Another condition that makes eating difficult is stomatitis, a mouth inflammation caused by a virus or embedded foreign object. If your cat's salivary glands are blocked, she can develop a painful salivary cyst under her tongue. Rodent ulcers are swelling of or sores on the lips that get larger over time, but persistent mouth ulcers could also be a sign of kidney disease or a respiratory disorder, so take your cat to the vet if you notice unusual swelling.

    Cat Dental Hygeine

    • Keep your cat's teeth and gums healthy by brushing his teeth with a cotton swab or toothbrush designed especially for pets. Meat-flavored kitty toothpaste is available at most commercial pet stores or at your veterinarian's office. If your cat is squeamish about tooth-brushing, acclimate him to the process slowly by massaging his gums with your finger, then introducing the cotton swab and dabbing a bit of paste onto his lips for him to taste. Once your cat is accustomed to having his gums rubbed by you and has tasted the toothpaste, apply a small amount of paste to the brush or cotton swab, and gently rub it onto his teeth.

    Healthy Gums & Teeth

    • Keep your cat's gums healthy in between brushing by providing chew toys that will help strengthen her teeth and clean her gums. Clean and refill her water dish daily, and offer her dry kibble periodically if she is on a wet food diet. Chomping dry food will exercise her gums and scrape the tarter off of her teeth.