Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a prevalent dental condition affecting cats, characterized by inflammation of the structures supporting the teeth. This issue arises when food particles and bacteria accumulate along a cat’s gumline, forming plaque. With the addition of saliva and minerals, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), leading to gum irritation and redness – a condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontal disease in cats. Over time, tartar buildup extends beneath the gumline, causing the gums to detach from the teeth and creating pockets where bacteria can flourish. Once this occurs, the periodontal disease becomes irreversible, often resulting in bone loss, tissue destruction, and infection.
Periodontal disease in cats is categorized into five stages based on oral examination and dental X-ray findings. All stages can cause gum bleeding, and your veterinarian will determine the appropriate medical treatment based on this staging.
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gingiva (gums) without loss of attachment or bone involvement.
- Early Periodontitis: Up to 25% loss of the ligament that anchors the tooth to the gum and bone.
- Moderate Periodontitis: 25% to 50% attachment loss.
- Advanced Periodontitis: More than 50% attachment loss.
- Tooth Resorption: Destruction of the tooth crown and roots, leading to holes in the teeth and intense pain.
Symptoms of Gum Disease in Cats
The symptoms of gingivitis in cats can include red, swollen gums, bad breath (halitosis), visible plaque on teeth, varying degrees of tartar buildup, and a painful mouth. A cat experiencing oral pain might paw at or rub their mouth and face, drool excessively, drop food while eating, or excessively turn their head while eating.
Symptoms of periodontitis encompass all the above, plus loose teeth, tooth loss, decreased appetite or anorexia, gum recession, exposed tooth roots, teeth chattering, and tooth resorption.
Causes of Gum Disease in Cats
The primary cause of periodontal disease in cats is bacterial infection, leading to inflammation and pain under the gumline. This bacterial accumulation is often exacerbated by a lack of consistent oral care, such as regular teeth brushing, and infrequent professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian. There might also be a link between a history of calicivirus infection and severe gingivitis. Other contributing conditions can include feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune diseases.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Gum Disease in Cats
Veterinarians diagnose gum disease by visually inspecting the cat’s mouth for signs of redness and inflammation. They may gently palpate the gums to check for bleeding, indicating the need for a dental cleaning or further intervention. If gingivitis or gum disease is suspected, a dental procedure under anesthesia is usually recommended. Pre-anesthetic blood work and chest X-rays are performed to ensure the cat’s safety.
During the dental procedure, periodontal probing is used to measure the space between the gum and tooth. If this space exceeds one millimeter, it suggests a periodontal abnormality. Dental X-rays are crucial, as approximately 60% of dental disease is hidden below the gumline. Early stages may show a loss of tooth density on X-rays (appearing as dark areas instead of bright white), while advanced stages reveal bone loss around the tooth root.
Treatment of Gum Disease in Cats
Treatment for periodontal disease in cats varies based on its advancement. In early stages, the focus is on controlling plaque and preventing tooth loss through daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste and using veterinary-prescribed products to minimize tartar development.
If a tooth is severely affected, extraction may be recommended. This procedure requires anesthesia, preceded by blood work and chest X-rays. Fasting for at least 12 hours before anesthesia is necessary to reduce the risk of complications like vomiting and aspiration pneumonia. Following tooth extraction, oral medications, such as antibiotics, help resolve the gum disease.
Recovery and Management of Gum Disease in Cats
Post-treatment management involves maintaining good oral hygiene and regular veterinary check-ups, typically every six to 12 months, depending on tartar buildup speed. It’s essential to ensure that any dental cleaning is performed by a veterinarian equipped for dental X-rays. Non-anesthetic dental cleanings are not recommended.
The cost of dental cleaning procedures can range from $300 to $2,500, depending on the severity of the disease. Recovery may involve the cat wearing a recovery collar to prevent them from interfering with the treated area. Some cats may require soft food or a special dental diet during recovery, along with antibiotics and pain medication. The cat’s prognosis depends on the advancement of their gum disease. Early diagnosis, adequate treatment, and proper therapy are key to minimizing adverse effects.
Prevention of Gum Disease in Cats
Preventing gum disease in cats hinges on maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Brushing your cat’s teeth and gums at least three times a week is highly recommended. Introducing teeth brushing slowly from kittenhood and making it a routine can help cats tolerate the process. Dental treats can be used as positive reinforcement before and after brushing.
For cats resistant to brushing, prescription dental diets are available. Products certified by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), such as dental treats, water additives, and other oral care products, have also been proven to help reduce plaque and calculus. Gum disease in cats is largely preventable through consistent home care and regular veterinary dental check-ups and cleanings. If you have concerns about your cat’s dental health, consult your veterinarian or a veterinary professional.
Gum Disease in Cats FAQs
How long can a cat live with gum disease?
Cats can live long, healthy lives with gum disease if they receive regular veterinary monitoring, routine dental cleanings, and preventative care. Gum disease is manageable and often curable depending on the underlying cause.
Is dental disease in cats fatal?
While dental disease itself is not directly fatal, its consequences can be. Severe pain can lead to a cat refusing to eat, potentially causing liver failure within approximately 72 hours due to the body metabolizing fat for energy. Liver failure can be fatal if not treated promptly, and depending on the extent of damage, it may not be reversible.
