The inflammatory gingival disease is prevalent among cats. Most cats older than three acquire gingivitis and related dental issues due to dietary variables, diseases, or physical abnormalities. Due to dental malalignment, short-nosed breeds, such as Persians, are more susceptible to gingivitis. Inflammation of the gums can be excruciatingly painful and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss, bone infection, and the introduction of pathogens into the bloodstream via infected oral tissues. A cat’s systemic bacterial illness can impair other organs. Both preventative and acute gingivitis treatments can help reduce risks and improve your cat’s health.
How to diagnose gingivitis in cats?
Even if they are experiencing intense oral pain, cats may not exhibit any discomfort because they are so adept at concealing it. Even ordinarily eating and physically active cats might have severe dental problems. Bringing your cat in for an animal internal medicine yearly exam is essential for recognizing dental disease, as a veterinarian can often detect signs of disease when observing an animal.
How to treat gingivitis in cats?
Gingivitis is treated by eliminating accumulated plaque and dental calculus and treating or extracting destabilized and/or damaged teeth. Standard teeth cleanings and dental X-rays must be performed under anesthetic to treat any inflammatory dental condition. When necessary, stomatitis-afflicted cats’ teeth are routinely pulled by a veterinarian. This aids in ensuring the cats’ jaws remain pain-free.
The frequency of dental examinations on your cat will depend on the severity of its periodontal disease. If your cat’s teeth are crowded, or it still has baby teeth (also known as deciduous teeth), your veterinarian may prescribe extraction. Your veterinarian will instruct you on properly cleaning your cat’s teeth, and you should schedule regular exams. Visit your vets homepage to learn more.
How to prevent gingivitis in cats?
One strategy to prevent gingivitis is to use a toothbrush and toothpaste created specifically for cats, which are available at pet supply stores. For cats to become accustomed to brushing, it must be introduced gradually and frequently. Visit this page for more detail on pet dental care.
Make your cat comfortable with toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Place treats next to the toothbrush and toothpaste on the counter so that cats will link them with something pleasant. You can even give them a small amount of toothpaste to lick off your finger to acclimate them to the taste.
Make your cat comfortable with you touching their mouth.
Choose a dental treatment your cat enjoys and administer to their canine teeth. You should begin placing it on their teeth as they become accustomed to it. By doing so, they will develop accustomed to touching their mouth, making the introduction of toothpaste simpler.
Brushing
It should be much easier to clean your cat’s teeth now that they are accustomed to having their mouths handled and near the toothbrush and toothpaste. Then, they should receive a gift for brushing along the gum line for fifteen to thirty seconds while focusing on the outer teeth.
Conclusion
If you feel your cat has dental problems, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can examine the inside of your pet’s mouth, which can be difficult at home. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat cannot close his/her mouth or has stopped eating.
