Dental Disease in Cats

Dental Facts You Need To Know:

• Kittens have 26 baby teeth – people have 20.
• Adult cats have 30 teeth – people have 32.
• Infection in the mouth caused by plaque and tartar may enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, liver and kidneys.
• By age 3, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease.
• Good oral healthcare can extend a pet’s life expectancy and reduce the risk of serious secondary condtions, such as kidney and heart disease.

Dental disease is a common and often overlooked problem in cats.  While cavities represent the most common dental disease of humans, cats are more frequently bothered by tartar buildup on the teeth.  Tartar accumulation leads to infection and irritation of the gums (gingivitis), exposure of the roots and tooth loss.

Clinical Signs

In some cases, people are unaware that their cat has dental disease.  The problem may be identified with a routine physical examination or during investigation of another problem.  In other situations, dental disease is very obvious causing very bad breath (halitosis), difficulty eating, drooling, or changes in temperament. 

Treatment

Proper cleaning of the teeth requires complete cooperation of the patient so that plaque and tartar can be removed properly.  Anesthesia is required to thoroughly clean the teeth.  Many people have a high degree of anxiety related to general anesthesia for their cats.  While there is always a degree of risk with any anesthetic, be aware that delaying proper dental care will often compromise your cat’s health.  To minimize risk, our hospital uses modern anesthetics that are deemed safe even for older cats.  We routinely run blood tests to evaluate the internal organs prior to giving any anesthetic.

There are four steps in the cleaning process that will be used on your cat:

1. Scaling removes the tartar above and below the gum line.  This is done with hand instruments and ultrasonic cleaning equipment.  The tartar that is under the gums must be removed for a dental cleaning to be complete.

2. Polishing smooths the surface of the teeth, making them resistant to additional plaque formation. 

3. Flushing removes dislodged tartar from the teeth and helps to remove the bacteria that accompany tartar. 

4. Fluoride Coating decreases teeth sensitivity, strengthens enamel, and decreases the rate of future plaque formation.

Prevention

Several preventive measures can be recommended to aid in oral hygiene for the cat.

1. Seek regular veterinary care and have the teeth cleaned when advised.

2. Try to maintain home dental care with brushing the teeth.  Special toothbrushes and flavored toothpastes are available.  We will be happy to show you how to do this and to recommend a schedule.

3. If you have difficulty brushing your cat’s teeth, try either CET Chews or a Dental Rinse.