Dental Care and Cats
Most veterinarians advise clients to brush their pet's teeth on a regular basis. Just like us, brushing our pet's teeth assist in breaking down plaque and tarter buildup. Bacteria can develop in the plaque and begin to cause damage, especially in the crevices between the teeth and gums. This can lead to an infection in the gum which may lead to abscessed teeth and gums or even periodontal disease.
Ideally, a kitten should receive a dental examination at 2-3 months of age and then again at 6-8 months of age. In other words, a cat should be seen once each year.
If a problem occurs, prompt veterinarian treatment is a must.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums around the teeth caused by bacteria, plaque or tartar.
What is Plaque?
What is Tartar?
What Causes Gingivitis?
- Plaque Intolerance - Some cats may have an exaggerated oral immune response to plaque bacteria.
- Calicivirus infections in kittens cause small blisters on the tongue and gums which may contribute to extreme gingivitis.
- Bartonella infection (also known as "cat scratch fever") which is easily treated with an antibiotic.
- Immune System - If the cat has a poor or still developing immune system, plaque bacteria may be able to invade much further into the gums resulting in gingivitis.
Symptoms of Early Gingivitis
Gingivitis progresses very slowly and is easy to miss in the early stages. If neglected, the inflammation may slowly spread deeper into the gums, attacking the connective tissues that support the teeth.
As the tartar builds up below the gum line it forms "pockets" or gaps between the gums and teeth. More bacteria grow in the pocket which in turn produces more tartar - this can become a vicious cycle. As the gum line recedes, the nerve roots of the teeth are exposed, leading to sensitivity when eating. Without treatment, advanced gingivitis may eat away at the bone underneath the teeth. Symptoms of advanced gingivitis include:
- Bleeding gums
- Drooling
- Pain when eating or drinking cold water
- Loose teeth
- Irritability
- Pus filled sores at the gum lines
- Receding gums
Your veterinarian (or a veterinarian who specializes in animal dentistry) should be contacted for a dental exam if any of the above, symptoms are present.
Juvenile - Onset Gingivitis
Gingivitis and the Older Cat
As cats age changes in the saliva and mouth chemistry occur which often causes an increase in the rate of tartar buildup in older cats.
There is some evidence that certain breeds, like the Siamese are more prone to gingivitis, while other professionals feel it is more common in domestic shorthair cats. Persians and Exotics may be more prone to problems as their mouths are more compact than longer nosed cats and the teeth become crowded providing prime conditions for bacteria and plaque buildup.
All cats regardless of breed are more susceptible as they reach their senior years.
Treatment Protocols
Early Gingivitis - Reducing the amount of plaque, tartar and bacteria is the goal to treating early gingivitis by following the above suggestions.
Gingivitis Due to Plaque Intolerance - Gingivitis can be controlled by reducing plaque on the teeth by using a canned diet that reduces plaque or by reducing bacteria by using antibiotics where the immune system is hypersensitive to bacteria.
Advanced Gingivitis - treatment can be complex depending on severity and may include:
- Removing tartar from the teeth.
- Brushing and the application of 0.2% chlorhexidine.
- Extracting any teeth with lesions or severe periodontal disease.
- Antibiotics – Clindamycin, metronidazole, or tetracycline are good choices.
- Corticosteroids: methylprednisolone acetate (Depo Medrol).
- Good nutrition often with vitamin supplements since these cats may not eat as much as they should because of the discomfort.
- In extreme cases of periodontal disease all the teeth behind the "fangs" may need to be removed.
Advanced Dental Problems
PREVENTION IS THE KEY!
Daily Brushing - helps keep tartar away. Non-foaming toothpaste that is flavored for cats is available. Finger brushes or small tooth brushes suitable for a cat are also available.
Chews - CET makes pet toothpaste and a soft enzymatic chew.
Pet Mouthwash or a spray designed to reduce bacteria in the mouth can be applied at home.
Regular Dental Exams should be part of your cat's annual or semi-annual checkups.
Professional Cleaning when necessary. Cleaning should always be done under anesthesia.
Vitamin C Supplement is believed to reduce plaque formation.
How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth
You should brush its teeth starting when it is a kitten. Kittens begin to get their baby (or temporary teeth) at about 2-3 weeks of age. Permanent teeth usually begin to come in at about 3 - 4 months of age, and the adult teeth should be in by about eight months of age.
Brushing your cat's teeth is not that difficult and just like trimming your cat's claws, it is something both you and your cat can become accustomed to with practice.
Supplies
- Veterinary Toothpaste - is available in specially formulated flavors for cats. Do not use human toothpaste or baking soda!
- Finger Toothbrush - A rubber, bristled brush fitting over your finger makes it easy to manipulate in mouth of the cat.
- Cat Toothbrush (optional) - A soft-bristled tooth brush (similar to a human baby toothbrush), usually has a slightly angled head that allows for better entry into the cat's mouth. A bristled tooth brush is better for reaching below the gum line – an important area to brush.
The first step is to start with a clean, healthy mouth, such as with a young pet with healthy new teeth and gums or after your cat has had a professional dental cleaning.
How Often?
Periodontal disease usually affects the upper, back teeth more commonly and more severely. Plaque builds up on the tooth surface, especially just under the gum line. It takes less than 36 hours for this plaque to become mineralized and harden into "tartar" (calculus) that cannot easily be removed with a brush. Therefore, daily brushing is recommended to remove the plaque from under the gum line.
- Pick a time of day that will become a convenient part of your daily routine.
- Place your cat on a counter or table.
- Start by offering the cat a taste of the veterinary toothpaste on the tip of your finger.
- Next, let the cat taste the toothpaste, then run your finger along the gums of the upper teeth.
- Once you have massaged the teeth with your finger and accustomed your cat to the taste of the veterinary toothpaste that is enough for the first training session.
- Finish by praising your cat and giving it a favorite treat.
Once the cat accepts the tooth "brushing" with just your finger, the next step is to introduce the toothpaste on the finger toothbrush.
Get the bristles of the brush along the gum line of the upper back teeth and angle slightly up, so the bristles get under the gum line.
Work from back to front, making small circles along the gum line. It should take you less than 30 seconds to brush your pet's teeth.
Do not try to brush the entire mouth at first. If all that your cat lets you brush is the outside of the upper teeth, you are still addressing the most important area of periodontal disease – prevention. It may take several days for your cat to become used to having its teeth brushed. Follow the procedure with praise and a treat after each session.
Even with the best tooth brushing, some cats may still need an occasional professional dental cleaning by our veterinarian. By brushing your cat's teeth daily and curtailing the amount of periodontal disease, you may reduce the frequency and involvement of dental cleanings and provide your cat with a healthier, sweeter smile.
PLEASE NOTE: Never use human toothpaste as it may foam, causing stomach upset or vomiting.