The dangers of periodontal disease
Without proper dental care, your pet will most likely suffer from bad breath, inflamed gums, missing, loose, or broken teeth, and all of the pain and discomfort such problems can cause. Dental disease can also lead to systemic health problems in cats. The good news, however, is that dental disease is easily prevented by regular dental examinations, home care, and dental cleanings. What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. It often begins with discoloration on the teeth. Without regular dental cleanings, this plaque builds up and turns into tartar. Tartar can dig into the gums, where bacteria can become trapped and cause infections. If left unchecked, periodontal disease can lead to serious pain, infection, and tooth loss. The infection can also result in bacteria entering the bloodstream and damaging other organs or body systems in your pet. It can also complicate other underlying diseases, such as diabetes or chronic sinusitis.
Prevention is the best answer
While the damage caused by periodontal disease is sometimes irreversible, it can be halted with antibiotics and regular cleaning. The wisest solution is to stop the disease before it starts.
Annual cleanings
Beginning at age one, your cat should have an annual dental examination and a thorough cleaning under general anesthesia, if recommended by your veterinarian. A thorough cleaning removes plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line. This proactive treatment is aimed at maintaining the natural oral defenses so that periodontal disease and other dental problems have a harder time becoming established. A good home care program can tremendously extend the positive effects of the professional cleaning.
Brushing
The best form of oral home care is daily brushing with a soft toothbrush. There is no better way of removing the disease-causing dental plaque. Your veterinarian can show you how to do it, and provide special brushes, toothpastes, and oral gels specifically made for pets. We recognize that tooth brushing can be challenging for many cat owners and their cats, but we can provide tips on how to make it easier for you. Watch our video below for a few ‘how to’ ideas on the subject of tooth brushing in cats. We also talk to you about treats that may help to control dental plaque as well.
Dental diets
As a general rule, dry food diets are less effective in contributing to good oral health in cats than they are in dogs and canned food diets are generally recommended for cats in general because of their higher protein and increased water content. However, there are several over-the-counter and therapeutic (prescription) dry dental diets that may be helpful in preventing accumulation of plaque and the resulting gum inflammation. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
Signs of poor dental health
What should I do about broken teeth?
Broken teeth can be extremely painful for pets and can lead to chronic infection, abscess formation, and loss of secondary teeth. Immediate treatment is vital. Performing a root canal will save what's left of the broken tooth and prevent it from being reinfected. Where root canal is not an option, the tooth should be extracted.
Many cats are also prone to painful ‘tooth resorptions’, which are tooth defects that result in slow, but progressive, destruction of the crown of the tooth. The cause of tooth resorptions is unknown, and unfortunately, they are not preventable, even with regular brushing. In most cases, surgical extraction of the affected tooth/teeth is the treatment of choice, though intraoral radiographs are necessary to determine the best course of treatment.
I'm not sure I can afford dental cleanings every year.
While dental cleanings may seem like an added expense, they're actually a very cost effective investment in your pet's health. Caught early, dental problems are easy to treat. Neglected, they can turn into serious, costly, and painful problems.
Does my pet need to be anesthetized during cleanings?
Yes. Unlike with human patients, we can't explain to your pet what's happening and why. For that reason, we need to anesthetize pets in order to access the entire mouth and gums and perform the necessary work thoroughly and safely. Your veterinarian will recommend pre-anesthetic testing to make sure there are no hidden health problems that could affect your pet's ability to undergo the procedure.
