TLC Cat Clinic
  • Home
  • About
    • About TLC
    • Meet Our Team
    • Cat Friendly Certified
    • Policies
    • Careers
  • Services
    • Wellness Care & Immunizations
    • Surgery
    • Dental Care
    • Pharmacy
    • Radiology & Ultrasound
    • In-House & Reference Laboratory
    • Microchipping
    • Electronic Medical Records with Pet Portal
    • Hospice & End-of-Life Services
    • Specialists
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Emergency
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • New Patient
  • About TLC

Blog

Signs & Symptoms of Dental Disease

2/18/2021

 
February is Pet Dental Health Month, which makes it a great time to talk teeth! Cats can experience a number of health-related issues which can be exacerbated by dental disease. Regular oral exams, good dental hygiene, and regular anesthetized dental cleanings are crucial to keeping on top of your cat’s overall wellness. So, what do we need to keep on the look out for? What are their signs and symptoms of dental disease? And how do we prevent them? Read on to find out! Let’s start by defining some terms used to describe dental disease.   
Picture
Gingivitis: That’s right! The same gingivitis that your dentist warns you about plagues our purr-babies as well. Gingivitis is inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth. Ranging from mild to severe, gingivitis is extremely common and affects cats of every age. It is considered the first stage of dental disease and, if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis. Advanced gingivitis will eventually lead to receding gums, accumulation of plaque and tartar under the gum line, and infection. 
 
Periodontitis: As gingivitis progresses, it leads to periodontitis. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria infiltrate below the gum line where it is no longer visible from the surface. Once periodontitis sets in, radiographs from inside the mouth are needed to see how the infection has wreaked havoc on the soft tissues, tooth, and jawbone.   
Picture
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Disease:
  • Bad breath 
  • Tooth discoloration 
  • Visible tartar 
  • Lip smacking 
  • Tooth grinding 
  • Drooling 
  • Pawing at the mouth 
  • Head or mouth shyness 
  • Tooth loss 
  • Red, swollen or bleeding gums 
  • Refusal to eat certain textures of food 
  • Anorexia 
  • Weight loss 
Remember, cats are masters at concealing what is ailing them, so they may not show any outward signs of dental distress unless you look for them! 

How Can You Help Prevent Dental Disease?

There are several ways you can help prevent dental disease for your feline friend at home:
  1. Daily tooth brushing using special finger brushes and delicious cat-friendly flavored   toothpastes offer rewards while tooth care is being performed. Be sure never to use  human toothpaste as it is not meant to be swallowed - it can be toxic to your cat. 
  2. Daily dental wipes have additives to help smooth out dental plaque and help slow accumulations.
  3. There are several treats and prescription-based diets on the market that are designed to promote healthy teeth by forcing our kitties to chew the large kernels. Greenies Dental Treats are one well-known over the counter brand.
  4. Dr. Shea warns against the use of oral rinses and water additives as it may make your feline not want to consume their water.
  5. The best way to keep your cat’s mouth in tip-top shape is to make regular wellness appointments so we can evaluate their teeth for problems and regular dental cleanings when indicated will ensure the overall wellness, health, and happiness of your cat!   
You can check out the dental products we recommend by visiting our online pharmacy. At first, your cat will most likely hate their new tooth care routine, but with patience, treats, and scritches they will come to love it! 

Comments are closed.

    Categories

    All
    Annual Exams
    Cat Care
    Dental
    Diet
    Grooming
    News
    Safety
    Veterinary Care


    Archives

    November 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    November 2018


    RSS Feed

Picture
TLC Cat Clinic
3375 Plymouth Blvd., #200
Plymouth, MN 55447
Phone: 763-559-8787

Picture
Picture
Plymouth Sun Sailor 2019 and 2020
Readers' Choice Best Veterinary Clinic
Clinic Hours
Monday - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Emergency Services
Picture
    Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Subscribe to Newsletter
Site powered by Weebly. Managed by IDEXX Laboratories
  • Home
  • About
    • About TLC
    • Meet Our Team
    • Cat Friendly Certified
    • Policies
    • Careers
  • Services
    • Wellness Care & Immunizations
    • Surgery
    • Dental Care
    • Pharmacy
    • Radiology & Ultrasound
    • In-House & Reference Laboratory
    • Microchipping
    • Electronic Medical Records with Pet Portal
    • Hospice & End-of-Life Services
    • Specialists
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Emergency
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • New Patient
  • About TLC