The
American Veterinary Dental Society says that more than 70% of cats show signs
of oral disease by the time they’re 3 years old. However, many cat owners are unaware of the
condition of their cats’ mouths.
Why? Because many cats don’t let
owners look closely at their teeth. And
also, despite having dental disease, cats will often continue eating without a
problem.
Oral disease develops in stages. Stage 1 involves plaque formation in the mouth. Plaque carriers bacteria and is what we brush off our teeth on a daily basis. Stage 2 develops when plaque left on the teeth hardens into tartar (often a tan or brown looking material on the teeth).
Plaque and tartar buildup leads to Stage 3, the formation of gingivitis, a painful inflammation of the gums. Stage 4 is periodontal disease, which involves pain, tooth loss, gum recession, and severe infection.
The time it takes to progress through the stages of dental disease varies from cat to cat. Cats who are Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) positive tend to progress through the stages at a faster rate than many cats. Genetics also plays a role in the rate of development of oral disease.
What many pet owners don’t realize is that when it comes to dental disease, it’s more than just dirty teeth or bad breath. All the bacteria that is trapped with the plaque and tartar along the gum line will enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver, affecting them as well.
So how can you help your cat?
Veterinarians should check your cat’s teeth during their annual exams. Surprisingly, most cats allow this to be done with little protest. Your vet will look at the level of plaque and tartar buildup, if there is any gingivitis, and if there are any potentially bad teeth (kitty caveties). If your vet sees anything that appears suspicious, a professional dental cleaning will be recommended.
While we can see tartar buildup, and maybe even a bad tooth, we often won’t know the full extent of your cat’s dental disease until your cat is under anesthesia for a dental cleaning. At that time, your vet will do a complete oral exam, checking the condition of every tooth, and taking x-rays or extracting teeth when necessary.
Home dental care and frequent mouth checks at home is the best way to ward of dental disease. The best home dental care is, of course, daily tooth brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste. With consistency and patience, many pets accept having their teeth brushed. Can’t do every day? Even once a week is a benefit to your cat.
Suburban Animal Clinic also recommends Hill’s Prescription Diet T/D. Prescription T/D is made in larger than usual nuggets to encourage crunching. The design of the nuggets acts to scrape the teeth as your cat chews. A regular, premium dry diet is good, but usually is not enough. T/D can be fed as a sole diet, or as a treat. T/D is only available through a veterinarian.
Another way to provide home dental care for your cat is with special dental chews. C.E.T. chews contain Chlorhexidine. This provides a natural abrading action to help remove plaque buildup and food debris and freshen breath. Also available are an oral mouth rinse you can rub on the teeth and gums, and a tooth sealant applied weekly.
For more information on tooth brushing and products offered at Suburban Animal Clinic, view my blog on Dental Care at Home http://www.suburbananimalclinic.com/dental-care-at-home.
Dental care is important for your cat’s overall health and comfort. Nobody likes to eat or even live with a bad tooth or a painful mouth. Yet survival instincts take over, and cats will often eat regardless of a bad tooth. Don’t let your cat fool you. Take your cat to the veterinarian at least yearly for an overall checkup and oral exam. If your vet tells you your cat needs a dental cleaning, the sooner it can be done, the better off your cat will be.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIAL SAVINGS! Have Suburban Animal Clinic perform a dental cleaning and oral care on your cat from now through December 31st, and we’ll credit your account $15 on January 2, 2014 to start your New Year off right! Hurry! Spaces are filling fast!
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