Cat Dental

Ensuring Your Furry Friend’s Oral Health

We’re all familiar with the importance of regular dental care for ourselves. From daily brushing to routine dental check-ups, maintaining healthy teeth and gums is essential for our well-being. Unfortunately, dental care for our furry companions is often overlooked. Just like us, pets deserve proper dental attention to ensure their health and comfort. Let’s delve into the realm of cat dental care.

As your cat ages, plaque begins to accumulate where the gums and teeth meet, eventually hardening into tartar. Without proper removal, tartar can lead to gum inflammation, or gingivitis, and even result in gum tissue loss and bone destruction, a condition known as periodontal disease. If left untreated, this can progress to severe gum infections, tooth abscesses, and ultimately tooth loss. Signs of dental issues in your cat may include bad breath, decreased appetite, or weight loss.

Moreover, dental infections can have systemic effects, spreading bacteria through the bloodstream to organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, and joints. By prioritizing dental care, you can extend your pet’s lifespan by 10 to 20% by preventing these secondary health problems.

Cats, in particular, are prone to gingivitis and Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions (FORLs), a painful tooth decay occurring at the gum line, ultimately leading to tooth destruction. Mouth pain from such conditions can cause cats to stop eating, leading to weight loss and nutritional imbalances.

Preventive Measures:

• Feeding dry cat food can help prevent dental issues.
• Regular brushing with pet-specific toothpaste can reduce tartar buildup.
• Consider offering fibrous edible treats like C.E.T. cat chews to aid in dental health.

Routine Dental Exams: Similar to humans, cats require regular dental check-ups and cleanings under general anesthesia. These exams involve examining the teeth for gum loss, pockets, and signs of FORLs. Dental X-rays may be necessary to assess the extent of periodontal disease. Cleaning involves tartar removal using an ultrasonic dental scaler followed by polishing to discourage future tartar formation.

Advanced Treatments: For complex dental issues, board-certified veterinary dentists can perform procedures such as root canals, restorations, and even braces if needed. It’s crucial to prioritize your pet’s oral health and be aware of the available treatments for dental problems.

Incorporating dentistry into your pet’s overall health care plan can lead to a longer and happier life.