Similar to humans, even cats are prone to dental diseases. So, people who have cats as their pets must take a special care of their kitten’s teeth. Cats are very vulnerable to dental health problems and cat owners must pay attention to their pets by taking them to the veterinarians often to have a good dental check up.
What kind of dental diseases are seen in cats?
Majority of the adult cats through out the world are suffering from dental diseases. The major health problems seen in cats are the dental problems. This is mainly because of the negligence of the owner. Most common dental problems seen in cats are:
Periodontal Disease:
Similar to humans, periodontal disease is also seen in cats. This is caused when the bacteria and food debris enter the gum line. As a result, the gums get infected. This disease can be recognized from the symptoms such as inflamed gums, swelling, bleeding gums or bad breath. Antibiotics, dental cleaning and extraction for advanced cases are the treatments recommended for this disease.
Feline Stomatitis or Lymphocytic Plasmacytic Stomatitis (LPS):
This disease is mostly seen in many cats. The diseased cat will have his mouth inflamed along with the throat or pharynx. Angry red lesions are seen in the infected areas. Irregular eating habits are the most common symptoms indicating this disease. Generally, the pet paws its mouth regularly under this condition.
Feline Odontoclastic Oral Resorption Lesions (FORL):
In the initial stages of this disease, shallow pits are formed on the enamel of the tooth. Inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding this tooth is seen due to the plaque accumulation. Sometimes, these pits make their way into the root pulp destroying the tooth completely. Oral examination and oral radiographs are the two procedures through which this disease can be diagnosed. The only way to treat this disease is to extract the infected tooth.
Malocclusion:
If your pet finds it difficult to eat and loses weight in this process then it may suggest that he is suffering from malocclusion.
How should I take care of my cat’s oral health?
By following certain measures, you can save your cat from these dreadful dental diseases.
Dental care for cats:-
Regular brushing: Like humans, regular brushing exercises are equally important for cats. Try brushing your kitten’s teeth at least once a day. This prevents the plaque formation which generally leads to severe dental diseases. You can also try the specially designed tooth brushes for pets which are available in the market.
Annual dental check ups: Dental diseases can be prevented by taking your kitten to a veterinarian regularly. These dental check ups and the preventive measures suggested by your veterinarian will help in the maintenance of the oral health of your pet.
What dental procedures are available for cats?
Different dental care procedures are performed by the veterinarians to treat cats. These include-
Dental cleanings: Veterinarians generally perform these dental cleanings to remove the plaque formed on the teeth. This generally takes about 20-40 minutes. These cleaning procedures must be performed at least once in a year to make sure that your cat does not get affected by the dental diseases.
Dental radiographs (x-rays): These are done to detect any damage in the tooth. This technique helps in the diagnosis of the diseases such as Feline Odontoclastic Oral Resorption Lesions (FORL), Feline Stomatitis or Lymphocytic Plasmacytic Stomatitis (LPS), etc.
Tartar removal: Tartar is formed on the tooth due to the accumulation of the plaque. This is removed by scrapping the infected tooth using a vibrating probe of an ultrasonic instrument. This procedure does not cause any damage to the tooth enamel.
Tooth polishing: This is performed after the cleaning procedures with the help of a special tooth polish.
Tooth extractions: If your pet’s tooth is severely damaged and is beyond repair then that particular tooth is to be extracted. A general anesthesia is given during this procedure.
Advanced periodontal treatments:
These treatments are given during the severe periodontal diseased conditions. Preoperative Examinations or Tests are generally performed before this treatment. These tests help in the diagnosis of other ailments in the body.
Apart from these, there are several other advanced dental care treatments for cats that help in treating their dental disorders.
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