Gingivitis, an inflammatory gum disease, is widespread in cats. Most cats over the age of three develop gingivitis and related dental problems due to dietary factors, illnesses, or physical anomalies. Due to oral malalignment, gingivitis is more common in short-nosed breeds, such as Persians. Gum inflammation can be extremely painful and, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss, bone infection, and germs entering the bloodstream through infected oral tissues. Systemic bacterial infection in a cat’s body can harm other organs. Both preventive and acute treatment strategies can help lower gingivitis risks while supporting your cat’s overall health.
How to diagnose gingivitis in cats?
Because cats are so good at disguising their pain, they may not show any discomfort, even in severe oral pain. Even cats eating normally and physically active might have substantial dental disease. Bringing your cat in for a regular yearly exam by visiting this link is critical for detecting dental disease, as a vet may often notice indicators of disorders while monitoring an animal.
How to treat gingivitis in cats?
The treatment for gingivitis relies on removing accumulated plaque and dental calculus and treating or extracting destabilized and/or damaged teeth. Routine teeth cleanings and dental X-rays should be performed under anesthesia to treat any inflammatory dental disease. When necessary, the teeth of cats who suffer from stomatitis are routinely extracted by a veterinarian. This helps to guarantee that the cats’ mouths remain pain-free through procedures like soft tissue suegery. .
The severity of periodontal disease in your cat will determine how frequently dental examinations need to be performed. If your cat’s teeth are crowded or if it still has baby teeth (also known as deciduous teeth), your veterinarian may recommend that you have them extracted. Your veterinarian will show you how to properly clean your cat’s teeth, and you should be sure to take him or her in for checkups regularly.
How to prevent gingivitis in cats?
Proper pet dental care by utilizing a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for cats, which may be found at pet supply stores, is one way to protect against gingivitis. Brushing should be introduced gradually and regularly for cats to become accustomed to it.
Make your cat comfortable with toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Place nibbles beside the toothpaste and toothbrush on the counter so cats can associate them with something nice. You can even give them a dab of toothpaste to lick off your finger to get them used to it.
Make your cat comfortable with you touching their mouth.
Select a dental treatment your cat appreciates and apply it to their canine teeth. As they become acclimated to it, you should start positioning it further inside their mouth, on their teeth. By doing so, they will become accustomed to touching their mouth, making it much simpler for you to introduce the toothpaste.
Brushing
Now that your cat is used to having their mouth touched and being around the toothbrush and toothpaste, it should be much simpler for you to clean their teeth. They should brush along the gum line for fifteen to thirty seconds, focusing just on the outside teeth, and then they should be rewarded with a treat.
Conclusion
Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has dental issues. Your veterinarian can inspect inside his or her mouth, which we all know may be difficult at home! If your cat cannot seal his/her mouth or has stopped eating, contact your veterinarian immediately.
