Proper oral care is important for your cat. If their teeth are not cleaned regularly your cat can develop gum diseases like gingivitis. Our Orange vets can provide information on gingivitis in cats, its signs, causes, and treatments.
What is gingivitis in cats?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum or gingiva, which surrounds the teeth. It is considered the earliest stage of periodontal disease, and more than 80% of pets three years or older develop some form of periodontal disease.
The disease can range from moderate to severe, and in extreme cases, cats with gingivitis may have problems eating and grow very uncomfortable. However, gingivitis is reversible with proper care.
To remedy the condition, a tooth cleaning under anesthesia could be required. Just like humans, plaque - a buildup of germs, debris, dead skin cells, mucus, and food - can accumulate on the teeth and contribute to this dental issue.
Signs of Gingivitis in Cats
The common signs of gingivitis in cats are:
- Red or swollen gums, especially around the area of the inner cheek
- Bad breath
- Difficulty eating or not eating at all
- Difficulty picking up toys or food
- Drooling
- Plaque build-up on the surface of the teeth
- Calculi/tartar
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, contact your veterinarian right away to book an appointment for a dental exam.
Causes of Gingivitis in Cats
The common causes of gingivitis in cats include:
- Bad Dental Care
- Old age
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Soft food
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
- Crowded teeth
- Abnormal chewing habits
- Not receiving oral care
Some cats are genetically predisposed to gingivitis and may need to see a vet more than once a year for dental exams and cleaning. Ask your vet how frequently your cat should be seeing them for dental exams.
Diagnosis of Gingivitis in Cats
Since cats are so adept at hiding their pain, they may not show any signs of discomfort even if they are in severe oral pain. Even cats who are eating normally and are active can have significant dental diseases. Bringing your cat in for their annual routine exam is essential to the detection of dental disease, as a vet is often able to identify signs of conditions while observing an animal and checking for symptoms listed above.
After a thorough examination, a vet will ask the pet owner a number of questions, such as when the cat’s bad breath began, what they normally eat, and if they have trouble eating or chewing. A more detailed dental examination may be necessary under anesthesia to properly diagnose gingivitis.
Treatment for Cats with Gingivitis
Gingivitis treatment focuses on eliminating accumulated plaque and dental calculus, as well as treating or extracting destabilized and/or diseased teeth. To determine if gingivitis has progressed to periodontal disease, a vet may recommend x-rays to see if there is infection at the tooth root.
For cats suffering from stomatitis to have a comfortable mouth, their teeth are frequently extracted by a veterinarian if it is called for.
The frequency of dental checkups will be determined by the degree of periodontal disease in your cat. If your adult cat's teeth are overcrowded, or if it has baby (deciduous) teeth, your veterinarian may recommend a tooth extraction.
The tooth surfaces will be polished, and the teeth will be reexamined after cleaning. Other treatments may be necessary based on the condition of your cat’s teeth and gums.
Your veterinarian will show you how to clean your cat's teeth, and you should schedule follow-up exams.
Maintaining Your Cat's Teeth
Cat-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste are available for purchase at pet supply stores and can help avoid gingivitis. Brushing should be introduced gradually and consistently so that cats become accustomed to it.
Veterinary antibacterial solution may also be prescribed to reduce plaque buildup. It can be squirted onto a cat's teeth directly or into their drinking water.
Get your cat familiar with toothbrushes and toothpaste
Leave snacks on the counter near the toothpaste and toothbrush so cats can associate something positive with them. You can also place a dab of toothpaste for them to lick off your finger so they get accustomed to it.
Get your cat used to you touching their mouth
Choose a dental treat your cat enjoys and place it on its canine teeth. As they become accustomed to it, start placing it deeper and deeper into their mouth, on their teeth. This gets them used to you touching their mouth and makes it easier for you to introduce the toothpaste.
Brushing
With your cat used to the toothbrush, toothpaste, and you touching their mouth, it should be easier to brush their teeth. Brush along the gum line for about 15 to 30 seconds, only on the outside of the teeth, and reward them with a treat afterward.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
