Dental disease is one of the most prevalent diseases in cats and, in most cases, one of the most preventable diseases. Maintaining optimum oral health aids in tooth retention ensures the ability to continue good nutrition throughout life, contributing greatly to your cat’s overall health and well-being. Just as in the human dental field, companion animal dental hygiene requires attention to diet and daily care.
What is involved in a dental cleaning procedure?
All of our dental procedures are performed under a general anesthetic, which allows us to clean the teeth below the gumline properly. Pre-surgical blood work and intravenous fluids are recommended to ensure your cat is healthy enough for sedation and to maintain blood pressure and hydration while under anesthetic. Your veterinarian will probe and chart your cat’s mouth and note any significant findings, such as fractured teeth, resorptive lesions (feline cavities) and gingivitis. Digital dental x-rays may also be warranted for problem teeth. The remaining healthy teeth are scaled with our ultrasonic scaler and polished to remove dental calculus and tartar. Pain medicine and antibiotics may be administered or prescribed after the procedure.
What are the signs of dental problems in cats?
Signs that your cat may be suffering from some form of dental disease includes facial swelling, drooling, difficulty in eating or dropping kibble or pawing at the face, change in behaviour (more irritable) and bad breath.
Are some feline breeds more susceptible than others?
All cats can suffer from dental diseases. Genetics, diet, health and nutrition in the early stages of life may impact a cat’s predisposition to dental diseases.
What is feline tooth resorption?
A feline resorptive lesion, or tooth resorption, is an autoimmune condition where the body absorbs the root of the tooth. This condition is only found in cats and requires oral surgery to remove the remaining tooth properly. If left untreated, cats can develop tooth root abscesses, fractured teeth and exposed roots, which can be very painful.
