Kira, Certified Veterinary Assistant
Why is dental care important for my cat?
Dental care in cats is very important because cats have some specialized dental diseases that cause severe pain, which can affect them systemically. Just like in humans, dental disease is linked to the heart, kidneys, liver, and other organs.
What are the signs of dental problems in cats?
Often, cats will drool excessively. That's usually a sign they're having dental problems. Chewing on one side or just not wanting to eat their dry food can be signs of dental disease.
What are the common dental diseases in cats?
The two most common are FRLs, which are feline resorptive lesions, where the tooth is being eaten away by the body. It can start anywhere from the top down to the root. Sometimes, dental x-rays show teeth that look like Swiss cheese because they've been eaten away, and there's nothing you can do except remove them. It's extremely painful because it attacks the pulp, the living part of the tooth.
The other is stomatitis, where the body rejects the teeth, almost like an allergy. The body doesn't recognize the teeth as part of itself, so it attacks them, causing inflammation and ulceration. We have to remove all the teeth. Again, extraction is the only solution. It's extremely painful for cats to live with these diseases, so it's important for them to be checked yearly.
How often should my cat have a professional dental cleaning?
We definitely recommend cleanings once a year. Many problems can start under the gum line, so you may not be aware that your cat is experiencing pain.
What can I do at home to prevent dental disease in my cat?
To help prevent dental disease, have your cat on a VC-approved dental treat or dental food daily. The gold standard is brushing their teeth, but realistically, not many people brush their cat's teeth, and not many cats allow it.
Is bad breath in cats always a sign of dental disease?
Not always. It can be a sign of other conditions, like kidney disease. However, if you're smelling a foul odor, bring your cat in for a check-up so we can get a better look at what's going on.
What are the risks of not treating dental disease in cats?
Not treating dental disease can affect your cat's heart. Generally, 30% of cats have silent heart disease, so you don't know the effects on your cat's heart. It causes daily pain, similar to having an untreated rotten tooth, which is extremely painful and unnecessary.
What should I expect during a professional dental cleaning for my cat?
During a professional dental cleaning, we always take X-rays to evaluate the roots and pulp, ensuring the tooth is not dead, doesn't have FRL lesions, and doesn't have abscesses. We clean the teeth like in a normal dental cleaning and then polish them. If extractions are needed, our RVTs will remove the teeth causing pain.
Can cats get cavities, and how are they treated?
Cat cavities are essentially FRLs, as they are holes in the teeth. The only solution is to remove the painful teeth.
Why would my cat need to have teeth pulled?
Teeth are pulled if they are rotted, abscessed, or causing pain and inflammation around the gums that can't be resolved. We extract those teeth to ensure your cat is not in pain.
If you’re looking for veterinary care you can trust, call us at (530) 626-4838 or email [email protected]. We’re here to keep your pet healthy, happy, and thriving!