Hervey Foundation

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME you looked in your cat’s mouth?
If you have a cat like mine, very rarely or maybe never. Our cat’s teeth aren’t something that we often think about unless they have that tendency to use them…on us. However, it may be that you are missing something vital to your cat’s health.

It is said that two thirds of cats over 3 years old have some degree of dental disease. It initially begins with plaque that forms as bacteria grows on the tooth surface. Eventually, with minerals in the saliva, it hardens into tartar. The bacteria in the plaque and tartar cause the gums to become red and swollen, This inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis. If untreated, these inflamed gums start to recede, creating pockets where more food particles and bacteria can reside. It becomes a vicious cycle ending in irreversible ligament damage around the teeth and even supportive bone loss (periodontal disease).

Besides the loss of teeth, there are other serious consequences of gum disease. Gums that bleed easily allow bacteria to enter the blood stream where they can travel to major organs of the body. This can cause infections of the liver, kidneys and even the heart valves.

Good dental health is very important to the overall health and longevity of your cat.

You can see how important it is to look at your cat’s teeth. Early symptoms, like bad breath. may not be that obvious. By the time you notice your cat drooling or having trouble eating, the dental disease is already well advanced.

What can you do to prevent this?
Firstly, feeding only dry food is not going to. We see still see dental disease in cats on dry food diets. In fact, feeding only dry food may not be a very healthy diet for your cat. Please speak to your veterinarian if you have questions on this issue.

The BEST thing that you can do to prevent this is what you do yourself.
BRUSHING - Brushing the teeth with a pet toothpaste (not human, because cat’s have not yet mastered the rinse and spit technique). A minute or two every night after the meals are done is ideal. Even every other night will still be of some benefit. You only have to brush the visible lip surface of the teeth. Use a small ultra-soft toothbrush or finger-brush at a 45 degree angle away from the gum line. Pay special attention to the back teeth. Granted, this will not be easy to start doing with an adult cat. Those of you with kittens have an advantage. Your kitten will think it is normal to get a pasty treat before bed. Start slowly, get them used a favorite flavor of toothpaste first, before actually brushing. Many flavors are available, (for example, mint, poultry, malt) so find one your cat likes. Patience and perseverance help here.

If you are not sure if your cat has dental disease, ask your veterinarian. He/she checks your cat's teeth at every annual health exam. Your vet or animal health technologist can also demonstrate how to brush the teeth. They will also be able to advise you as to alternatives to brushing if your cat just refuses to get with the program. There are oral gels that can be wiped on the gums, a food called Hill’s T/D that can help prevent gingivitis, and there is a wax sealant called Pro-V-Seal that may help to prevent bacteria adhering to the teeth.

If your cat already has significant tartar and gingivitis, your cat’s gums may be too tender and bleed too easily to just start brushing, or there may be cervical line lesions (holes in the tooth enamel) that are intensely painful to your cat. In which case, a dental is recommended to remove tartar, polish the teeth and get the gingivitis under control so you can maintain your cat’s teeth.

Painful teeth can be removed and improve your cat’s quality of life.

As you can see, it is critical to address dental issues for the health of your cat. The old adage holds true: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And in this case, preventing dental disease can prevent pain and serious diseases in your cat and help them live a long and happy life.

Deborah Sheffield DVM

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