Most of the time cats use their mouths to explore the world. They use it not only to eat, but also to catch their prey, nibble on something that makes them curious, and play, among other activities. For the same reason, they are prone to different ailments with their teeth.
All these diseases cause a lot of pain in cats, so they must be treated immediately. It is best to detect them early to avoid complications, which is why our site presents you with this guide on most common mouth diseases in cats
Periodontal disease
This term is used to encompass diseases that involve the involvement of the periodontal tissues They are usually caused by the appearance and extension of the plaque, which becomes sarro and begins to infect different areas, being able to affect from the gum and the tooth, up to the root itself.
It is estimated that approximately 70% of cats suffer from some type of periodontal disease after 5 years of age. Now, it usually affects them in the phases of tartar, gingivitis and periodontitis, so we explain a little more about them below.
1. Tartar
This is the first stage of periodontal disease. The mouth of all animals is full of different types of bacteria, and the cat's mouth is no exception. However, when these bacteria mix with food debris and external microorganisms, little by little it forms the dental plaque
This plaque, if not kept scratched with proper hygiene habits, begins a sedimentation process until it becomes annoying tartar. This is the culprit in the dental diseases described below. We have several options to remove tartar, such as brushing or using dental snacks and toys.
two. Gingivitis
It is the second stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. It affects the gums, and is reversible if detected early. It is usually caused by the proliferation of dental plaque transformed into tartar, or by lesions in the oral cavity that accumulate bacteria and trigger an infection.
Manifested as reddening of the gums, bleeding when there are lesions, rubbing of jaws with paws, pain andinflammation , so the feline will show discomfort when eating its food. If not treated in time, gingivitis can affect other areas of the mouth and the digestive system, leading not only to periodontitis, but also to stomatitis.
The treatment of gingivitis that is applied includes not only brushing using veterinary toothpaste, but also the application of antibiotics and healing drugs, in order to attack bacteria and heal possible lesions. Cats in a state of weakness due to blood loss may also require some vitamins, but only a specialist review can determine this.
3. Periodontitis
There is talk of periodontitis when the infection has managed to spread to affect the tissues that support the tooth, affecting not only the gums but also the boneAt this point, the disease is irreversible
Symptoms include bad breath, excess salivation, fever, bleeding, discomfort eating , irritability and a possible anorexia if the picture is not treaty. The danger of the disease lies not only in the fact that, upon reaching this stage, part of the treatment includes the extraction of infected teeth, but also that the pus of the infection itself will be swallowed by the cat when it feeds, transporting these bacteria by the body, where they are capable of affecting the liver, heart and kidneys.
The diagnosis is made by studying the oral cavity in depth, taking X-rays and with blood and urine studies that allow detecting the presence of a virus. Treatment includes medication indicated to control pain and fight bacteria, extraction of affected teethand area care for better healing. All this from the hand of a specialist.
Neck injury
This is another oral condition that frequently affects cats, and occurs when the body itself begins to absorb portions of the enamel and dentinuntil giving way to an exposed root. The origin or cause of this phenomenon is still under study. The feline will experience pain and the appearance of the teeth will begin to look strange.
Its identification can be done with the naked eye, since it is characterized by the presence of red dots in the area, although for a better diagnosis X-ray is recommended. The treatment is intended to relieve the discomfort they cause in the patient, so drugs for pain are prescribed. The veterinarian will indicate the best measure to prevent the progression of the disease, according to the severity of each case, and may even include the extraction of the affected pieces.
Carcinoma
This is a type of cancer that affects the oral mucosa Its appearance is that of ulcers and masses of scaly tissue, so It generally affects felines 9 years of age and older. It is quite painful, so the cat will refuse to eat and frequently pass its paws through its mouth.
If your cat is suffering from carcinoma, or you suspect it is, you should go to the vet immediately. A biopsy and other studies will confirm the theory, and according to the status of the feline and the level of progress of the cancer, the most appropriate treatment will be continued.
Tooth resorption
It is a condition of unknown origin, which mainly affects those who have reached old age. The tissue that covers the tooth deteriorates little by little, until it breaks the piece. It is a long and painful process, characterized by your cat refusing to eat and frequent drooling
The specialist will recommend pain relievers, and depending on the progress of the disease, it will be treatable with surgery to remove the damaged pieces, or with different antibiotics.
Crown Loss
Approximately half of adult cats will suffer from this problem at least once in their life. It is the fall or separation of the dental crown with respect to the root, due to its undermining. The causes are multiple, but it can usually occur when a piece falls or starts improperly, either during a fight, by biting something very rigid, among other reasons.
Periodontal disease is also one of the main causes of this loss of the crown, since the infection itself weakens all the tissues, making them more vulnerable.
Injuries
Although not diseases per se, most oral injuries affecting cats are trauma. These have different causes, from a blow received, the result of a fight with another feline or animal, an object that has become trappedbetween the teeth and even breaking one from biting something too hard.
Symptoms of these problems will vary, but are generally characterized by food refusal,drooling, irritable attitude, bleeding,pain , among others.
Prevention
When it comes to oral disease, it's best to advocate prevention rather than cure. These types of conditions generate a lot of pain and discomfort in your cat, do not risk losing their teeth.
Follow the following tips to avoid he alth problems:
- Choose a dry diet. Moist foods tend to stick more easily between teeth and gums, causing infections. In addition, there are high-fiber feeds that work like a mechanical brush, removing accumulated plaque and sweeping away any residue.
- Fresh water. Water is essential for your cat's he alth, especially to avoid dehydration and the many problems it can cause. cause. Fresh, clean water should always be available 24 hours a day.
- Weekly brushing. Brushing a cat's teeth is not an easy task, so we recommend you get him used to this routine from a young age. Use a veterinary toothbrush and toothpaste for this process.
- Toys. There are different chewing toys on the market that will sweep away anything that may be embedded in your feline's teeth, choose the one that suits you best.
- Vitamins. Consult your veterinarian about the need to give your cat some vitamins that allow him to strengthen his bones, and therefore teeth, such as calcium and collagen.
- Annual checkup. Once a year go to your trusted veterinarian to have all your teeth and oral cavity checked and your cat, so you can spot any problems early.
