Dental disease in cats is just as common as in dogs, but often presents in different ways. Cats do suffer from plaque build up and rotten teeth like dogs, but more commonly the main problem in a cat’s mouth can be gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. Cats are very prone to this problem, which is usually multi-factorial in origin and can cause serious discomfort for the cat.
Preventing plaque build up and tooth decay is harder in cats than dogs but it is still possible to brush a cat’s teeth, and the best approach is to use a finger brush which you can get from your vets. Dental chews and mouthwashes are not really very practical for cats, so the best long term approach is to feed a diet comprising mainly dry food as this can help to keep the teeth clean.
Dental operations are the usual way of treating plaque build up and rotten teeth in cats, and just as with dogs it’s worth shopping around and looking for a good price as some vets can seem to charge ridiculous amounts for these routine procedures.
For gingivitis surgery is sometimes the answer but usually only as a last resort. In most cases the symptoms can be controlled with anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics, although the side effects of long term medications can be an issue, particularly if steroid anti-inflammatories are used. Weighing up the balance between controlling the symptoms and the risks to long term health is one of the great dilemmas for vets in these cases. The surgical option is to remove teeth from the areas of the mouth where the gums are inflamed, but as this often involves removing perfectly healthy teeth, it really should be considered a last resort procedure.
