A cat's mouth isn't just for eating: it also uses it for... explore the environmentThey hunt toys or prey, carry objects, and interact with other animals. Therefore, any alteration in their teeth, gums, or tongue has a direct impact on their well-being, behavior, and overall health.
Even with the best care and attention every day, our cat will never be completely protected. Throughout its life, it's certain to get sick at some point. Most of the time, it will probably just deal with simple colds, but sometimes it might need more serious treatment. urgent veterinary careAnd one of the most common causes is oral problems.
To ensure he can overcome these challenges successfully, it's very important that we check him daily: his fur, paws, eyes, and of course, mouth and gumsso that we can detect any potential problems in time. On this occasion, We're going to discover what oral diseases are common in cats, what symptoms they cause, how they are treated, and how we can prevent them.also integrating what is currently known about causes, types of injuries and risk factors.
What are the most common oral diseases in cats?
gum and tooth diseases They are the most common oral problem in cats. They can affect only the gums, the teeth, the tongue, or the entire oral cavity, and can cause a range of issues. bad breath to Intense pain which prevents the cat from eating normally. In many cases, several pathologies combine at the same time and progress from a simple plaque buildup to very painful chronic inflammatory processes.
The most common sequence is as follows: first bacterial plaque forms, then it accumulates tartar, appears gingivitis (gum inflammation) and, if left untreated, this progresses to periodontal diseaseOn this inflamed terrain, lesions can develop dental resorption, chronic gingivostomatitis or other complications, in addition to fractures and oral tumors.
Tooth fracture
It is not very frequent, but yes a cat has an accident or is not taking good care of its mouth, it could be the case that a tooth is brokencausing a lot of pain. A tooth can also fracture from biting very hard objects (bones, unsuitable toys, cages, metal bars, etc.). Sometimes, the fracture is part of a larger injury to the jaw or face.
When a piece fractures, the... dental pulpwhich is very sensitive and full of nerves and blood vessels. This causes sharp painInflammation and even infections can spread to the root and bone. If the fracture is severe, the tooth becomes very fragile, can chip further, and may eventually fall out.
The signs include difficulty chewingRefusal to eat hard food, salivation with blood, sensitivity around the mouth, and behavioral changes due to pain. Therefore, if your dog refuses to eat, or cries a lot while eating, tilts its head to one side while chewing, or repeatedly puts its paw in its mouth, don't hesitate: You should take it to a professional for examination and to assess whether it is necessary to extract the tooth or perform a specific treatment. (such as a root canal in selected cases).
Gingivitis
La gingivitis it is the inflammation and redness of the gums caused by the accumulation of tartar or some other infectionIt usually appears due to not giving them a proper diet and/or not brushing their teeth daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically for cats. Some breeds, such as Persians, Siamese, Himalayans or BurmeseThey have a certain predisposition, and it is also common in cats with low defenses or infected by viruses such as FIV, FeLV or calicivirus.
In the early stages, the gum is visible redder and somewhat swollenand may bleed easily when chewed or if you try to touch it. The cat may continue eating, but often presents bad breath and begins to show aversion to harder food. In more advanced stages, the gums may ulcerate, become painful with the slightest touch, and produce excessive salivation.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to become periodontal diseaseaffecting the tissue that supports the tooth. In severe cases, it could lead to tooth loss, so it will be necessary to take him to the vet so that you can have a professional cleaning, check the condition of the roots, and establish a home dental hygiene plan. In cats with chronic or recurring gingivitis, these treatments are often combined. anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and, in some cases, extraction of severely damaged parts.
Tartar (dental calculus)
Tartar is the accumulation of bacteria and food debris mixed with the cat's own saliva on the teethDue to their carnivorous diet and the fact that many cats don't receive dental hygiene, dental problems are very common in felines. It appears as a hard, colored layer. yellow or brownespecially in premolars and molars.
First, a soft plate that covers the surface of the tooth. If it is not removed by brushing or the friction of food, this plaque hardens due to the deposition of minerals from saliva and becomes dental calculus or tartar, which adheres strongly to the enamel, especially in the area near the gum line. Very soft diets (only canned food or uncontrolled homemade food) particularly promote this accumulation.
It usually appears at the age of 5-6 years and it gets worse over time. Tartar harbors a large amount of Pathogenic bacteria that irritate the gums, generate severe halitosis and promote the development of gingivitis, periodontitis, and other oral diseases. Furthermore, dental resorption lesions or rare but very painful cavities can be hidden beneath tartar.
To do? Brush her teeth and Take him once a year for a professional ultrasonic cleaning under anesthesiaAt home, regular brushing, a proper diet, and some dental toys or treats help delay the reappearance of tartar, although they don't prevent it completely. In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend oral solutions in water or specific dry diets that help reduce plaque.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is the evolution of untreated gingivitis and tartarBacteria from plaque and tartar get trapped under the gum line and cause a chronic infection that affects the periodontal ligament and bone that support the tooth. Pockets form around the tooth that accumulate pus and food debris.
Over time, the gum becomes inflamed, recedes, and lesions form. periodontal pockets where more bacteria and food debris accumulate. This causes pain, bleeding, tooth mobility and, eventually, tooth lossFurthermore, the bacteria and toxins that are released can enter the bloodstream and affect organs such as the heart, liver, or kidneys, increasing the risk of endocarditis and systemic infections.
The most frequent signs of periodontal disease in cats include:
- Excess salivation or constant drooling.
- Very noticeable bad breath even at a distance.
- Bleeding of gums when eating or when trying to look at his mouth.
- Apathy and behavioral changes for chronic pain.
- Lack of appetite or a preference for very soft food.
If this disease is left untreated, the infection can spread and affect the heart, liver, and kidneysThis increases the risk of systemic problems. Treatment includes deep cleaning, possible extraction of damaged teeth, antibiotics and pain relievers, as well as establishing a strict oral hygiene routine at home. Early plaque control and regular checkups are the most effective way to prevent reaching this stage.
Feline dental resorption
La feline dental resorption It is a very painful disease in which a Progressive deterioration of the enamel and tooth structureOver time, the tooth deteriorates and often breaks at the gum line or loses part of its crown. It is one of the most common dental problems in adult cats, although it often goes unnoticed because the lesion is hidden under tartar.
The exact cause is unknown, although it is believed that several factors are involved. inflammatory and immunological mechanismsIt is caused by alterations in calcium metabolism, chronic mechanical stress in the area, and possible viral infections. It affects both domestic and wild cats and is often associated with a pre-existing periodontal disease.
A cat with dental resorption usually has difficulty chewing hard or cold foodOften, the owner only notices that their pet is eating less, leaving food in the bowl, or is reluctant to have its mouth touched. Other possible signs include: red and swollen gumsDamaged teeth and, in some cases, continuous drooling with traces of blood. Some cats meow or growl when trying to eat due to the acute pain they feel.
The diagnosis requires a complete dental examination with x-raysMany lesions are hidden under tartar or gum tissue and are only visible as radiolucent areas at the root. There is no treatment that regenerates the tooth, so the The affected teeth must be extractedAfter extraction and with an adapted diet (soft or wet food), cats can live well even without many teeth, regaining their appetite and clearly improving their mood.
Feline chronic stomatitis and gingivostomatitis
La feline stomatitisGingivostomatitis, also called chronic gingivostomatitis when it extensively affects the gums and oral mucosa, is a severe and persistent inflammation of the entire mouth in cats. It is believed to be related to a dysregulated immune response against bacterial plaque, and is frequently associated with viruses such as calicivirus, FeLV or FIVIn many cats, it is a chronic process that is difficult to fully control.
Cats with stomatitis present intense pain when opening the mouthVery strong bad breath, excessive salivation often tinged with blood, and great difficulty swallowing. They typically approach food hungry, but then abruptly retreat, meowing or hissing, because anticipate the pain which causes them to chew. They may also show weight loss, apathy, and mood changes due to the continuous discomfort.
The veterinarian usually needs sedate the cat To thoroughly examine the mouth, assess the extent of the lesions, and rule out tumors or other pathologies through biopsies and additional tests. The treatment combines Dental cleaning, multiple extractions (sometimes of all premolars and molars), antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and immunomodulatorsMany cats improve significantly when affected teeth are extracted early and bacterial plaque is strictly controlled.
Other oral problems: glossitis, fungal stomatitis, and tumors
In addition to the above diseases, cats can suffer from:
- GlossitisInflammation of the tongue caused by foreign bodies (threads, strings), burns, insect bites, metabolic diseases, or infections. drooling, pain, and refusal to eatIt requires removing the foreign body if present, treating the cause, and providing support with a soft diet and fluids.
- Fungal stomatitis: caused by excessive fungal growth Candida albicans. They are observed creamy white platesulcers, bad breath, and anorexia. It usually appears in animals with low immunity or prolonged antibiotic treatments and needs antifungal medication and treatment of the underlying cause.
- Oral tumors (such as squamous cell carcinoma): These affect the mucous membranes of the mouth, tongue, or gums. They usually manifest as lumps, non-healing ulcers, severe pain, and loss of appetiteEarly diagnosis, with biopsy and imaging tests, and specialized cancer treatment are essential to try to improve the prognosis.
What symptoms should alert us?
Cats are experts at hide the painTherefore, many oral diseases are detected late. It's important to pay attention to any changes, even if they seem small. Some common signs of dental and oral problems include:
- persistent bad breatheven shortly after eating.
- Drooling excessive saliva or saliva with traces of blood.
- Difficulty chewing, leave food in the bowl or prefer only very soft food.
- Loss of appetite or approach the food and leave without eating.
- Hitting the mouth with its paw, rub its face, or avoid having its head touched.
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums easily.
- Broken, discolored teeth or apparently absent.
- Apathy, weight loss, and behavioral changes related to chronic pain.
In the face of any of these signs, the most prudent course of action is make an appointment with the veterinarian For a complete examination of the mouth and, if necessary, to take dental X-rays under sedation. Detecting a lesion early often makes the difference between conservative treatment and having to extract several teeth.
What can be done to prevent oral diseases in cats?
The first and most important thing is give him adequate nutritionDry (grain-free) food is a good option if you want to prevent tartar buildup, as its texture helps to drag part of the plate by chewing. You can also choose to give him Yum Diet for cats or BARF Raw Food With the help of a feline nutritionist, carefully adjusting the composition and texture to support dental health. In cats with active gingivitis, it may be necessary to temporarily use soft, wet or homemade food to avoid pain while chewing.
Another thing you should do is brush your teeth dailyIf you get him used to it as a puppy, it will be much easier, but even as an adult he can tolerate having his teeth brushed. You should always use specific toothpaste for cats and a soft brush adapted to their mouth; human toothpaste is toxic to them and should never be used. Many cats achieve good results with a minimum of several brushings per week.
If your child doesn't accept brushing or you need extra support, you could give cat toys or treats These products are specifically designed to keep your teeth cleaner. They don't replace brushing, but they do help. reduce soft plaque and stimulate friction against the teeth. It is important to use them in moderation, as many have a high calorie content and could contribute to weight gain. Some dry diets for veterinary use are also designed to reduce tartar buildup.
Continuous access to fresh and clean water It is also essential. Good hydration promotes more fluid saliva, which helps to cleanse your mouth naturally and it partially reduces bacterial buildup. Cat fountains can be a good option for cats that don't drink much. In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend adding something to the water. anti-plaque solutions to reinforce daily hygiene.
In addition to the physical aspect, it is advisable to keep the cat with daily vaccinationThis is especially true against respiratory and systemic viruses that can contribute to gingivitis and stomatitis (such as calicivirus or herpesvirus). A strong and well-protected immune system responds better to plaque bacteria.
Lastly, regular check-ups at the vet will help to further prevent oral diseases that your cat may have. An oral exam at least once a year allows for the early detection of tartar, gingivitis, tooth resorption, or other problems that, when treated promptly, are much less painful and costly. In older cats or those with a history of dental disease, these checkups may be more frequent.
Taking a few minutes to check your cat's mouth, maintaining a proper diet, providing suitable toys, and attending veterinary checkups can make the difference between a painful mouth and a healthy one. With good preventative habits, virus control, and early detection, most dental problems can be resolved. feline oral diseases They can be controlled, and your companion can continue eating, playing, and exploring without pain. I hope this has been helpful.