Maintaining dental health for your cat is not just about aesthetics. Every cat needs excellent dental care to ensure they do not develop periodontal disease or develop other issues that could impact their quality of life or overall health. Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital knows how vital dentistry services and routine dental care for cats can be. That is why we make it our mission to provide the best cleaning and treatment options available to ensure every cat can maintain good oral hygiene.
Common Dental Problems for Cats
Although cats are not susceptible to many of the same dental problems that humans have, like cavities, they can still suffer from various potential issues. Most cats will have evidence of the development of Periodontal Disease around age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental College. This dental problem develops when plaque is allowed to build up on the teeth then hardens into tartar. One common accompanying symptom is gingivitis – an inflammation of the gums.
During an annual checkup, your veterinarian will often look for signs of oral abnormalities or evidence of periodontal disease. It is crucial for pet owners to regularly look over their cat’s mouth for other symptoms that may signify a consultation is needed. Some of these potential signs include foul breath, mouth discomfort, broken or discolored teeth and inflamed or bleeding gums. If any of these symptoms are observed, it could signify the need for a professional dental cleaning or more in-depth treatments.
Some symptoms that may signify dental problems in cats include:
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Loss of Appetite
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Excessive Drooling
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Pawing at the Mouth
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Gingivitis
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Plaque Build-up
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Mouth Sores or Ulcers
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Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORL)
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Loose or Missing Teeth
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Proper Dental Hygiene for Cats
No matter what age your cat may be or what symptoms they may have, it is essential to maintain a strict dental checkup annually. In addition to this, pet owners should also check their cat’s teeth regularly for any changes; however, it may be challenging to pick up on some issues without training. When dental problems are addressed quickly, there is a better chance of fixing them before becoming a bigger problem. This is why proactive dental care for cats is always recommended.
Gum disease often occurs in four distinct stages: early gingivitis, advanced gingivitis, early periodontitis and established periodontitis. In most cases, gum disease in cats can be reversed if caught early enough and early gingivitis is entirely reversible. For this reason, pet owners need to keep their cat’s mouth, teeth and gums as healthy as possible through routine maintenance and professional dental cleanings.
Why Advanced Care Pet Hospital?
Catching dental problems early can help your pet retain optimal health in the long run. If your cat has chronic bad breath, drools excessively, loses its appetite or has visible dental discoloration, do not hesitate to bring them to Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital for dental services. Should we find that your pet requires more than a dental cleaning, we can provide extractions and periodontal gel treatments.
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