Gingivitis in Cats

Gingivitis & Cats

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that surround your cat's teeth. Gingivitis in cats can range from mild to severe, with severe cases causing difficulty eating and extreme discomfort. To treat the condition, a tooth cleaning under anesthesia is required. Plaque, which is a combination of germs, debris, dead skin cells, mucus, and food, can accumulate on the teeth and contribute to this dental problem, just as it does in humans.

Signs of Gingivitis in Cats

Are you wondering whether your cat may have gingivitis or other dental conditions? Some of the most common signs of gingivitis in cats are:

• Difficulty eating or not eating at all
• Difficulty picking up toys or food
• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums, especially around the area of the inner cheek
• Drooling
• Calculi/tartar
• Plaque build-up on the surface of the teeth

Causes of Gingivitis in Cats

The development of gingivitis in cats can result from a number of different conditions including: 

• Autoimmune Diseases
• Old age
• Soft food
• Bad dental care
• FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
• Crowded teeth

Diagnosis of Gingivitis in Cats

Cats are extremely good at concealing their pain. This means that your cat may not exhibit any signs of discomfort, even if they are in severe oral pain. Even healthy and active cats can develop serious dental problems. Bringing your cat in for an annual routine exam is critical for detecting dental disease, as a veterinarian can often spot signs of a condition while observing an animal and looking for the symptoms listed above.

How to Treat Cat Gingivitis

Gingivitis treatment for cats focuses on eliminating accumulated plaque and dental calculus, as well as treating or extracting destabilized and/or diseased teeth. To address any inflammatory dental disease, routine tooth cleanings and dental X-rays should be conducted under anesthetic.

For cats suffering from stomatitis to have a comfortable mouth, their teeth are frequently extracted by a veterinarian if it is called for.

The frequency of dental checkups will be determined by the degree of periodontal disease in your cat. If your adult cat's teeth are overcrowded, or if it has baby (deciduous) teeth, your veterinarian may recommend a tooth extraction. Your veterinarian will show you how to clean your cat's teeth, and you should schedule follow-up exams.

Maintaining Your Cat's Teeth

Pet supply stores sell cat-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste, which can help prevent gingivitis. Brushing should be introduced gradually and consistently so that cats get used to it.

Get Your Cat Familiar With Toothbrushes & Toothpaste

Place snacks on the counter near toothpaste and toothbrushes to help cats associate them with positive things. You can also give them a dab of toothpaste to lick from your finger until they get used to it.

Get Your Cat Used To You Touching Their Mouth

Choose a dental treat that your cat enjoys and apply it to the canine teeth. As they become accustomed to it, gradually introduce it deeper into their mouth and onto their teeth. This helps them get used to you touching their mouth, which makes it easier to introduce toothpaste.

Brushing

Brushing your cat's teeth should be easier now that they've grown accustomed to the toothbrush, toothpaste, and your touch in their mouth. Brush the gum line on the outside of the teeth for 15 to 30 seconds before giving them a treat.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.