How to Prevent and Manage Dental Disease in Cats
Dental diseases are incredibly common in cats. According to studies, 50-90% of cats over the age of 4 suffer from some form of dental disease. Dental disease can affect your cat’s eating habits, leading to greater health problems in the long-term.
Dental diseases are even more prevalent in senior cats, with 70% of cats over the age of 12 having some form of dental disease, as age is often an underlying cause of oral health issues. These conditions can severely impact an older cat’s quality of life, from pain to other health problems.
At Purrfect Seniors, most senior cats we encounter have had some type of dental work in their rescue. While dental diseases can impact the lives of senior cats, this should be a deterrent for those considering adopting a senior cat. It’s never too late to start good dental hygiene practices.
Your cat’s dental health is important to maintain, and there are methods to prevent dental disease, and managing dental disease when it’s not preventable. This guide will share some of the ways to prevent and manage dental disease. Purrfect Seniors received some tips and recommendations from Dr. Amy Wilson of Wilson Mobile Veterinary Services.
Ways to prevent dental disease
Brush regularly
The simplest and one of the most effective ways to prevent oral health issues in your cats is to brush your cat’s teeth regularly. Brushing your cat’s teeth helps prevent buildup of plaque and tartar that can lead to more long-lasting dental diseases. You should only use toothpaste and toothbrushes designed specifically for cats when brushing your cat’s teeth to provide the best care. Starting from a young age and continuing as they age will help keep toothbrushing in your cat’s routine, allow them to adjust to the process and maintain your cat’s oral health between checkups and cleanings. You can also try a dental wipe or rinse if your cat isn’t a fan of brushing.
Dental diets or toys
Another way to prevent dental disease is with dental food and treats. Dental food is specifically made to help manually clean cats’ mouths, freshen breath and prevent tartar and plaque build up. Dental treats help clean teeth through the act of chewing, while massaging gums to maintain oral hygiene. The Veterinary Oral Health Council has a comprehensive list of products that help decrease plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally, there are water additives to add to your cat’s water which help to soften plaque, preventing it from sticking to teeth and causing more serious oral health issues.
Dental toys are another way to help keep cats' mouths clean. These toys help promote oral health by encouraging chewing, massaging their gums and scraping away plaque and tartar. Some toys can also reduce bad breath.
Annual checkups
Lastly, one of the ways to prevent dental disease is regular veterinary visits, annual dental checkups and professional cleanings. Regular visits to the vet can catch any early onset symptoms of plaque and tartar buildup. While vet visits can do preliminary checks, annual dental checkups can provide a comprehensive exam, cleaning and even x-rays to identify any deeper oral health issues. Veterinarians can perform deep cleanings that put your cat under anesthesia to use professional dental tools to clean all plaque and tartar buildup and stop other bacteria buildup that can lead to dental diseases.
Ways to manage dental disease
Despite preventative measures, cats can still develop dental diseases. If your cat does develop an oral health issue, it’s important to be able to identify the early signs and symptoms your cat may exhibit. Some common symptoms of dental disease are:
Bad breath
Excessive drooling
Loose teeth or tooth loss
Difficulty eating
Weight loss
Visible plaque
Bleeding gums
Pawing or scratching at the mouth
Dental diseases often develop from lack of dental care, causing the build up of plaque and tartar on your cat’s teeth. Plaque builds up day after day from bacteria and food debris in a cat’s teeth. If untreated, bacteria can cause inflammation, redding and pain in gums, a condition known as gingivitis. If untreated, gingivitis can develop into greater oral health issues. Gingivitis can be managed and treated with professional dental cleaning, other at-home remedies such as dental diets and teeth brushing, and antibiotics for more serious cases.
If gingivitis is untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe gum disease that leads to the tissues around teeth and gums to breakdown, leading to gum recession and tooth loss. As it is a more severe disease, periodontitis requires professional and comprehensive cleaning, including scaling and polishing teeth, medications and if necessary, tooth removal for bigger infections.
Another common oral health issue among cats is tooth resorption. Tooth resorption is extremely common among cats, affecting 25-75% of adult cats. Tooth resorption occurs when the body breaks down the tooth structure, leading to tooth loss. The condition is identified from a pink hole or swelling along a cat’s gumline. As teeth resorption is not reversible, treatments for tooth resorption focus on pain relief by removing damaged teeth.
While oral health issues are prevalent among cats, particularly adult cats, there are many ways to prevent and manage dental disease. By committing to a routine that includes toothbrushing, dental food, treats or toys and annual checkups from a young age, you can help your cat develop healthy oral hygiene and prevent further dental issues.
Note: This blog provides a brief guide of preventing and managing dental disease in cats. For a more comprehensive guide, you can check out PetMD. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice to ensure your cat remains healthy and comfortable.
References
Cornell Feline Health Center. “Feline Dental Disease.” Cornell Feline Health Center, June 2017 https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-dental-disease
Morrison, Barrie J. “Dental Issues in Cats.” PetMD, 3 February 2023, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/dental-issues-cats
Spring House Animal Hospital. “Common Dental Problems in Cats & How to Prevent Them.” Spring House Animal Hospital, 18 October, 2021 https://www.springhouseanimalhospital.com/site/blog/2021/10/18/dental-problems-cats
Staff Author. “Causes & Signs of Dental Diseases in Cats.” Hill’s Pet Nutrition, 25 November, 2019, https://www.hillspet.ca/en-ca/cat-care/healthcare/feline-dental-disease
