Photo by Mino Games on Giphy
by Nomi Berger
Did you know that, like people, cats require proper oral care? If their teeth aren’t cleaned on a regular basis, they can develop gum diseases like gingivitis.
What then IS gingivitis? Simply put, it’s an inflammation of the gum or gingiva that surrounds the teeth. It typically ranges from moderate to severe, while, in extreme cases, cats with gingivitis may not only be in considerable pain, they may have difficulty eating. Again, as with people, plaque – the build-up of dead skin cells, debris, food, germs and mucus – is the culprit, accumulating on a cat’s teeth and contributing to the problem. The solution: a deep and intensive tooth cleaning under anesthesia in the vet’s office.
The most common signs of feline gingivitis are red or swollen gums, especially around the area of their inner cheeks, bad breath, drooling, difficulty picking up toys and/or food, difficulty eating or not eating at all, calculi/tartar and a build-up of plaque on the surface of their teeth.
The most common causes of this condition, besides poor dental hygiene, can include a diet of soft food, an autoimmune disease, crowded teeth, FeLV (Feline Leukemia virus) and old age.
Since cats are notoriously adept at hiding their pain, they may not display any outward signs of discomfort even if they’re truly suffering. Even those who are both eating normally and staying active can have significant gum and teeth issues. Taking them to the vet for their annual routine exam is, therefore, essential to the early detection of any existing dental disease.
The treatment of gingivitis focuses on eliminating all accumulated plaque and dental calculus as well as treating or extracting any loose and/or diseased teeth. Where inflammatory dental disease is concerned, this requires routine tooth cleanings and dental X-rays under an anesthetic.
In the case of your own favorite feline, the frequency of her dental checkups will be determined by the degree of periodontal disease she has. If your adult cat’s teeth are overcrowded or if she still has some of her baby teeth, your vet may recommend extracting some of the first and all of the latter. Mostly importantly, however, your vet or a veterinary technician will show you how to properly clean your cat’s teeth at home and then schedule a follow-up exam.
Begin your home-care program by buying a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste at a pet supply store. Brushing your cat’s teeth must be introduced gradually so that she can become accustomed to the process. Place some of her favorite snacks either on the bathroom or kitchen counter near the toothbrush and toothpaste to help her associate something positive with them. Put a dab of toothpaste on your finger and let her lick it off: a “taste” of good things to come, as it were.
Get her used to you touching her mouth by placing a dental treat she already enjoys on her canine teeth. Once she accepts it there, start placing it deeper and deeper into her mouth while keeping it on her teeth. Repeat this process as often as needed until she’s comfortable with you touching her mouth before introducing the toothbrush and toothpaste.
Brush gently along the bottom gum line for about 15 to 30 seconds, only on the outside of the teeth, then along the top gum line, and reward her with her favorite snack afterward.
Should you encounter any resistance from her and don’t know how to proceed, reach out to your vet or vet tech for guidance. And remember that practice makes purr-fect – for both you and your kitty.
