Spread the love

Don’t Neglect Your Pet’s Dental Health

Everyone is busy doing hundreds of tasks a day. If you have a family, you’re even busier keeping up with doctor appointments, eye appointments, dental appointments and dozens of other obligations. It’s easy to forget that your pet not only needs to go to the veterinarian for its general health, but also for your pet’s dental health.

We all know that animals can’t speak but we expect some kind of indication of pain. We notice when they wince or cry when their ear is touched during an ear infection.  We can see the discomfort of skin diseases. But when it comes to dental problems, pets can be in pain and even have deteriorating health but not show any signs.

Cat’s Have Teeth Too

Obviously, we all know that cats have teeth. However, many cat owners may not realize that their little friends need dental checkups, dental hygiene and sometimes, treatment. It’s easier to notice dental problems in dogs as they pant and fill the room with their malodorous breath. Cats don’t give much indication that they need dental help. This is why prevention and early treatment are important. Sources state that approximately 85% of cats over three years old have some kind of dental disease.

Feline Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

Cats can get some of the same dental diseases as humans! Gingivitis forms in cats, the same way it does in people. When plaque and tartar sit at the gum line, it can irritate the gums. They become inflamed and red. This is when a person would notice bleeding while flossing. Since we don’t usually floss our cat’s teeth, look out for red and swollen gums.

Gingivitis can cause discomfort but it also leads to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can travel deep into the gum line and through the roots of the teeth right into the bone. It’s important to get your cat x rays if they have signs of Gingivitis. They may need teeth removed and treatments to improve their quality of life.

Resorption

Cats can also have dental issues called resorption. Resorption happens when the enamel becomes so worn down that the entire tooth erodes. This erosion can continue into the roots and bone beneath the gumline. About half of all cats experience Resorption.  This can be very painful and require removal of the affected teeth.

Rare Dental Disease in Cats

Stomatitis and gingivostomatitis are extremely rare but chronic mouth conditions in cats that cause intense pain, decay, inflammation and swelling. Although these diseases affect less than 1% of all cats; it’s important to get your cat evaluated by a veterinarian if you suspect any problems.

Broken Teeth

Broken teeth are the most easily visible dental problem in cats and dogs. Your Pet may not necessarily show signs of pain from Broken teeth even if they are painful. Dogs can break their teeth as they age and chew on bones, hard foods and toys. Cats often fracture teeth by falling into something, getting in fights or also crunching on a hard specimen.

Cracked and broken teeth are common but should not go untreated. A Broken tooth can expose nerves and dentin. This allows bacteria to travel into the roots and bone, leading to bone loss and even abscesses.

Take Care of Your Pet’s Teeth

Dogs and a variety of other mammals experience the same dental problems as humans and cats. It’s important to brush your pet’s teeth when possible with utensils and toothpaste recommended by a veterinarian. If you see tartar build up, broken teeth or inflamed gums, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a veterinarian for an exam and treatment. Also be sure to get regular exams and cleanings even if you don’t see an issue. Oftentimes, dental problems lie beneath the surface and can only be seen on an x-ray. Don’t wait until your pet is in pain, get a dental exam.