Feline Oral Health

oral health conditions every cat owner should know about

Cats are the masters of disguise, especially when it comes to hiding pain. Many will continue eating normally even if their mouth hurts, meaning dental problems may go unnoticed. Conditions such as gingivostomatitis, tooth resorption and periodontal disease make regular veterinary dental checks essential for your cat’s health and wellbeing.

Gingivostomatitis

Gingivostomatitis is a chronic and painful inflammatory condition of a cat’s mouth. The exact cause isn’t fully understood but several factors are thought to contribute: 

  • Abnormal  immune responses, including reactions to the bacteria in dental plaque 

  • Viral infections such as feline calicivirus or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

  • Changes in the normal balance of oral bacteria 

Occasionally owners notice red gums or signs of oral discomfort and seek veterinary care for their furry friend. More commonly however gingivostomatitis is detected during routine veterinary examinations

Common symptoms

Common symptoms include:

  • Oral pain; jaw chattering, grinding, pawing at the face, head shaking 

  • Bad breath 

  • Oral bleeding 

  • Drooling 

  • Reduced appetite and possibly weight loss 

  • Difficulties swallowing 

  • Poor coat condition 

  • Behavioural changes such as hiding 

Severe inflammation, swelling and ulceration of the oral tissues is present. This may occur in various locations including along the gumline or at the very back of the mouth.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity. In mild cases, periodic professional dental cleaning and strict home dental care may suffice. In more severe or recurrent cases control requires surgical extraction of affected teeth. Medications and other therapies may also be discussed in certain cases.  

Tooth resorption

Tooth resorption, as the name suggests involves destruction of the mineralised material of the teeth. It most often starts during middle age, and is more common in purebreds. 



Once again, the exact causes are not fully known. Proposed contributing factors include:

  • Lack of chewing 

  • Diets low in calcium or high in magnesium 

  • Frequent regurgitation of hariballs, leading to oral acidity

The photo

shows inflamed

gum at the

base of the

tooth

Tooth resorption happens when odontoclasts (cells normally involved in shedding of baby teeth and eruption of adult teeth) start to break down the tooth’s protective layer. This exposes the sensitive inner tissues, as well as causing weakening which may lead to the tooth breaking. 

Symptoms

Many symptoms of tooth resorption are similar to those described above for gingivostomatitis. If the lesion affects the crown of the tooth it may be visible on oral examination. Those affecting the root are often only detected when a patient is under anaesthesia and/or has dental X-rays performed.

Treatment

Treatment usually involves surgical intervention. This is most often in the form of removal of the entire tooth, however select cases may be suitable for a procedure called a crown amputation. Very mildly affected teeth may be suitable for monitoring (including periodic dental X-rays) however resorption usually progresses and further treatment is often needed.  

Regular dental checks are vital for all cats. Early detection can prevent pain, preserve teeth, and improve your cat’s quality of life. If you notice any signs of oral discomfort or it’s been a while since your cat’s last dental check, book a visit with our friendly team.