Dental health is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of feline well-being. It’s estimated that a staggering 50-90% of cats over four years old suffer from some form of dental disease. Fortunately, many of these conditions are preventable or treatable with consistent care and monitoring. The most prevalent dental issues in cats include gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption, each carrying the potential for significant pain and discomfort that can severely impact a cat’s quality of life, sometimes leading to a refusal to eat and subsequent health complications.
Understanding Gingivitis in Cats
Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth, causing them to appear red, swollen, and painful. This inflammation typically stems from the accumulation of plaque, a film teeming with bacteria, on the teeth. In cats with healthy oral hygiene, the naturally occurring bacteria in plaque are generally harmless, and the plaque itself forms above the gum line.
However, when plaque isn’t removed regularly, it can migrate below the gum line into the subgingival region. Here, the cat’s immune system may react to the bacteria, triggering the inflammation known as gingivitis. Some experts suggest that gingivitis can also be caused by a shift in oral bacteria populations from beneficial to pathogenic species. Factors like overcrowded teeth and inadequate oral care can exacerbate plaque accumulation.
When plaque hardens by absorbing minerals from saliva and gum tissue, it transforms into calculus, or tartar. This rough surface provides a foothold for disease-causing bacteria. It’s not the calculus itself, but the bacteria it harbors, that promotes inflammation. These bacteria produce substances that damage the delicate tissues forming the barrier between the gums and teeth, allowing deeper bacterial invasion. The cat’s immune response to these invaders can manifest as gingivitis. Some cats, however, may tolerate these bacteria without developing inflammation.
Beyond plaque, gingivitis can be a symptom of underlying systemic or infectious diseases, including feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline calicivirus, severe kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune disorders. In such cases, gingivitis may be accompanied by inflammation or sores in other areas of the mouth, a condition known as stomatitis.
Recognizing the Signs of Gingivitis
The hallmark clinical signs of gingivitis include swelling, redness, and discomfort at the gingival margin (where the gums meet the teeth). In more severe instances, bleeding may occur. Cats experiencing gingivitis might show reluctance to eat, chew with unusual head movements, drool, or develop persistent bad breath (halitosis). Some may even develop a preference for softer foods.
Preventing and Treating Gingivitis
The most effective method for preventing gingivitis is regular plaque removal through tooth brushing. It’s crucial to use only toothpaste and gels specifically formulated for cats, as human dental products can be toxic. While some cats require a patient introduction to tooth brushing, most can be trained to accept it. If your cat already has severe gingivitis, brushing can be painful, so consulting a veterinarian before attempting it is advised.
Fortunately, gingivitis is often reversible. Treatment strategies depend on the severity and underlying cause. This may include at-home dental cleaning, antibiotics (oral or rinse), professional scaling under anesthesia to remove plaque, immunosuppressive drugs, and, in severe cases, tooth extraction. Antibiotics alone are generally not considered an effective sole treatment for gingivitis. If gingivitis is linked to a systemic disease, addressing the primary condition is essential for managing the oral inflammation.
From Gingivitis to Periodontitis: A Deeper Threat
If gingivitis remains uncontrolled, it can progress to periodontitis, an irreversible condition. In periodontitis, the supportive tissues anchoring the teeth to the gums and bone become compromised. This destruction, caused by bacterial toxins and the cat’s own inflammatory response, can lead to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Periodontitis is almost invariably a consequence of untreated gingivitis, making early intervention critical.
Signs and Diagnosis of Periodontitis
Cats with periodontitis typically exhibit the same signs as those with gingivitis, including red, swollen, and bleeding gums. They may also be reluctant to eat, drool, chew on one side of their mouth, and have bad breath. Additional signs can include gum recession, exposed tooth roots, and tooth mobility. In advanced stages, tooth loss can occur. A thorough veterinary evaluation, often including probing the gums and dental X-rays under anesthesia, is necessary for diagnosis.
Treatment for Periodontitis
Veterinary treatment for periodontitis focuses on removing plaque and calculus through scaling and polishing, aiming to preserve the teeth whenever possible. However, in severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary to manage the disease and prevent further complications.
Tooth Resorption: A Destructive Process
Tooth resorption is a common and painful condition in cats, characterized by the breakdown of tooth structure, often starting from within the tooth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in felines, affecting an estimated 30-70% of cats, though its exact cause remains unknown.
Clinical Manifestations of Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption typically first appears as a small, pinkish defect at the gum line, indicating that significant internal damage has already occurred. These resorptive lesions can range from minor defects at the gum line to extensive damage to the tooth’s crown. While sometimes associated with gingivitis, it can also occur independently.
The pain associated with tooth resorption can be intense. Affected cats may show reluctance to eat, drool, chew abnormally, or become irritable. Diagnosis usually involves a thorough oral examination, probing of lesions, and dental X-rays taken under anesthesia.
Managing Tooth Resorption
Veterinary treatment for tooth resorption aims to alleviate pain, halt its progression, and restore dental function. In cases of minor lesions confined to the tooth root without apparent discomfort, careful monitoring may be recommended. However, if a cat exhibits pain or discomfort, and the lesions affect the tooth crown, extraction is often the best course of action. When complete extraction is challenging due to extensive damage, a veterinary dentist might perform a crown amputation, removing the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. Regardless of the treatment, consistent follow-up and monitoring are vital for the cat’s ongoing dental health.
