There are many cats that, after a certain age (usually from 3 years old), have some periodontal disease. A diet that is not entirely correct and / or poor oral hygiene are the main reasons why furry dogs start to have bad breath, tooth loss, among other symptoms.
So if you want to know what is the periodontitis in cats and what you can do to avoid it, we will tell you everything below  .
What is it?
Periodontitis in Cats is a disease characterized by progressive inflammation of the structures that hold teeth in place. The symptoms begin when the bacteria that accumulate between the teeth form plaque, which, combined with the minerals in the animals' saliva, ends up turning into tartar.
Tartar is a hard substance that sticks to teeth, and unless something is done to prevent it, it will allow bacteria to reach the gums, destroying the supporting tissue of the feline jaw pieces. This inflammation is known as periodontitis, and although at first it only affects the mouth, in severe cases the bacteria that have caused it can reach organs as important as the heart, kidneys or liver.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of this disease are:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Loss of teeth and / or weak teeth
- Chewing problems
- Drooling, which may have traces of blood
- Runny nose
- Redness or bleeding around the gums
- Constantly touches his face with his paw
If we see any of these signs in our cats, we have to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Once there, they will do an exam of their mouth and an X-ray to see the condition of their jaw.
How is it treated?
It will depend on the case. If it has been detected in time, an oral cleaning will be more than enough, but if the animals are having a hard time due to the weakness of their teeth and / or the pain they feel, the professional will prescribe antibiotics or may choose to intervene to extract the teeth. affected teeth.
Can it be prevented?
Yes. Giving them a quality diet (without grains or by-products) and cleaning their teeth regularly with a brush and a specific toothpaste for cats will greatly help the animals to enjoy a healthy jaw for a long time. In addition, an annual veterinary check-up will help us detect any problems in time.
I hope it has been useful to you. 