Cat Dentistry

Cats are beloved companions who bring joy to our lives. However, many pet owners don’t understand the importance of maintaining their cat’s oral health. Just like humans, cats need to have their teeth brushed and undergo professional exams and cleanings. Poor dental care can lead to serious health problems, so it’s important to have a good understanding of what is involved in cat dental care. Here at SAVA Animal Hospital in Toms River, NJ, we understand the importance of providing the highest quality and best service to pet owners. In this article, we’ll share what’s involved in cat dental care, how it impacts the overall health and well-being of cats, and how to care for your cat’s teeth at home between appointments. We will also look at the signs and symptoms of dental issues, how veterinarians diagnose dental problems in cats, and what conditions can occur as a result of poor cat dental care.

What Does Cat Dental Care Include?

Like humans, cats need regular dental care to maintain their oral health and prevent serious problems. This includes brushing their teeth at home and scheduling regular checkups with your veterinarian. Brushing your cat’s teeth reduces plaque and tartar buildup and lowers the risk of periodontal disease. We recommend brushing your cat’s teeth at least three times a week using a soft-bristled toothbrush and special cat toothpaste. You should also schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to ensure that your cat’s teeth and gums are in good condition.

How Does Dental Health Impact My Cat’s Overall Health and Well-Being?

Dental health plays a crucial role in your cat’s overall happiness, health, and longevity. Poor dental hygiene can cause bacterial infections that may enter the bloodstream and damage vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Dental issues can also lead to pain, loss of appetite and difficulty eating. Since what happens to the mouth affects the whole body, keeping your cat's mouth healthy adds two to three years to their life. For these reasons, staying on top of your feline friend’s dental health is crucial.

What Types of Dental Care Should I Be Giving My Cat at Home?

At home, you should incorporate regular brushing and dental diets and treats into your cat’s routine. Brushing your cat’s teeth is the gold standard for at-home cat oral care and helps prevent the plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to gum disease. Feeding your cat a diet specifically designed for dental health can also help keep their teeth clean and strong. Dental treats and chews are also great for removing plaque and tartar, but they aren’t a substitute for brushing. Always choose treats or chews that suit your cat’s size and dietary needs.

What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Oral Health Issues in My Cat?

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dental issues in cats so you can seek prompt treatment. Some common symptoms include bad breath, difficulty eating or chewing, dropping food and hissing, drooling or excessive saliva (with or without blood), pawing at the mouth, head shaking or jaw chattering, red, swollen, or bleeding gums, visible tartar or plaque, broken or loose teeth, excessive yawning, and more. If you notice any of these signs in your cat, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose and Treat Dental Problems in Cats?

Veterinarians diagnose dental disease in cats through a thorough oral examination, looking for plaque, tartar accumulation, gingivitis, fractured teeth, oral masses, and other signs of dental disease. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is often an indication of disease occurring below the gum line where it cannot be seen during a routine examination. Your veterinarian will also evaluate for conditions such as stomatitis, a severe inflammatory condition in which a cat's immune system reacts to plaque and tooth surfaces, causing significant oral pain and inflammation.

Because cats often hide dental pain and do not allow a complete examination while awake, a comprehensive dental assessment is typically performed under general anesthesia. This allows the veterinarian to thoroughly examine each tooth, probe around the teeth to identify periodontal pockets and areas of disease, and evaluate any abnormal lesions or areas of concern. Dental radiographs (X-rays) are a critical part of the evaluation, as they reveal problems hidden beneath the gum line, including tooth resorption, abscesses, retained tooth roots, and bone loss associated with periodontal disease. In many cases, the most significant dental problems are found below the gum line and can only be detected with dental X-rays.

Common dental conditions diagnosed in cats include gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth resorption, and stomatitis. Gingivitis causes redness, swelling, and discomfort of the gums and is usually the result of plaque accumulation. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced disease affecting the tissues, ligaments, and bone that support the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. Tooth resorption is a painful condition in which the body's cells begin breaking down and absorbing portions of the tooth structure. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease but often includes professional dental cleaning, dental X-rays, extraction of severely affected teeth, and ongoing home dental care such as tooth brushing, dental diets, water additives, or dental treats. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to relieve pain, preserve oral health, and improve a cat's overall quality of life.

Why choose SAVA Animal Hospital for Cat Dental Care?

SAVA Animal Hospital is an excellent choice for cat dental care because we understand the importance of maintaining your cat's oral health and are committed to providing exceptional services. We emphasize prevention to avoid potentially painful and potentially life-threatening oral health issues before they become serious problems. We offer a comprehensive range of dental care services, including dental exams, X-rays, and cleanings using state-of-the-art equipment. We also work with pet owners to create customized dental care plans tailored to each cat's unique needs. Our experienced team has the knowledge and experience needed to address the unique needs of cats’ oral health.

Prioritizing your cat's dental care is essential to their overall health and well-being. Choosing SAVA Animal Hospital for your cat's dental care ensures that your feline friend receives professional, comprehensive, and compassionate care from a team dedicated to helping cats live healthier, more comfortable lives. If you would like to learn more about feline dental disease, the Cornell Feline Health Center is an excellent resource for additional information. As your cat's veterinarian, we are always able to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about your cat's dental health. 

Conclusion

Good oral health is essential for cats to live long, happy lives. Pet owners should be aware of the signs and symptoms of dental issues in cats, know how to properly care for their cat’s teeth at home, and schedule regular checkups. Poor dental care can lead to serious health problems, so it’s important to have a good understanding of what is involved in cat dental care. At SAVA Animal Hospital, we understand the importance of providing the highest quality and best service to pet owners. We offer comprehensive services tailored to each cat's needs and emphasize prevention as the key to minimizing serious dental issues. Give us a call at (732) 244-3344 today to set up an appointment for your feline friend!