February is National Pet Dental Health Month
By Sierra Bouchard, DVM
Feline Oral Health
Dental health is a very important part of your cat’s overall health. Your cat’s teeth should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to assess oral health, detect early signs of dental disease, and discuss preventative oral care.
Some dental problems can cause, or result from, other health problems. Pain and discomfort from dental disease can also result in altered behavior, and a reduced quality of life.
Have your cat’s teeth checked sooner if you notice:
Bad breath
Broken or loose teeth
Discolored teeth
Teeth that are covered in tartar
Difficulty chewing
Dropping food from the mouth
Excessive drooling
Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
Pain in or around the mouth
Bleeding from the mouth
Swelling of the face around the mouth
What causes my cat to be at risk of dental disease?
Dental disease starts with plaque, a sticky deposit on the teeth in which bacteria can grow. The plaque then hardens into tartar (aka. calculus), which can be present both above and below the gum line. While tartar above the gum line can be easily removed, build up below the gum line can increase the risk of periodontal disease - infection and inflammation of the gum and bone that surrounds and supports the teeth.
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in cats, with most cat’s having some early evidence of periodontal disease by the age of 3 years old. Without preventative care and treatment, this can worsen as your cat ages. Therefore, early detection and treatment is important to your cat’s health, since advanced periodontal disease can affect not only your kitty’s mouth, but can result in health problems related to their kidney, liver, heart muscle, and more.
Fun Fact: Cavities are actually quite rare in cats!
Think you see a cavity? The appearance of a hole in your cat’s tooth is more likely due to a condition called tooth resorption, where the body breaks down and reabsorbs the structures that form the tooth. This process typically starts along the gum line, and will continue until the entire tooth is gone, leaving only a small raised bump on the gums.
Feline tooth resorption is an extremely painful condition, but cats tend to instinctually hide this pain. Because of this, your veterinarian will likely recommend a dental procedure to further assess any small red spots at the base of your cat's teeth.
Why does feline dentistry require anesthesia?
When your cat undergoes a dental procedure, it’s more than a quick brush! The process begins with a full oral exam by your veterinarian, followed by radiographs (x-rays) of the teeth both above and below the gum line. Dental cleaning includes scaling (removing plaque and tartar) and polishing of each tooth. If any teeth look unhealthy at the time of the procedure, your veterinarian will discuss their treatment recommendations with you.
Unfortunately, cats don't understand the benefits of these procedures like we do, and would likely become stressed, fearful, try to escape, or even bite if this was done while they were awake. Anesthesia makes it possible for your veterinarian to provide the very best oral care, in a low stress and controlled manner.
While anesthesia isn’t without risks, it can be significantly outweighed by the benefits. Talk to your veterinarian for more information about whether your cat is a good anesthetic candidate.
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How to celebrate this month with Just Cats!
In honor of Dental month this February, clients who purchase a bag of Hill’s T/D dental treats at either clinic or in our online store will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a custom painted portrait of their cat by our talented team member, Grace E!
HOW TO ENTER:
Purchase a bag of T/D
Share our post on Facebook or Instagram to your story and tag 2 fellow cat lovers in the comments!
Send us a photo. Message us with the picture you would like to have painted!
Last day to enter is March, 4, 2022.
Winner will be drawn randomly on March 7, 2022 . Must be at least 18 years of age to enter. New clients welcome to enter with exam.
