Dental Care for Cats
Tartar buildup on teeth and inflamed gums can actually undermine your pet's good health. Do animals have dental disease? Sure they do! Dental disease is actually seen more often in pets than it is in humans. Why? Because pets can't brush or floss their teeth. So it's no surprise that 70 percent of cats show signs of dental disease by the age of four.
In fact, dental disease is probably one of the most common health problems in cats. In humans, the cavity is the most common form of dental disease, but in cats, it's tartar buildup. Tartar causes irritation of the gums, loosening of the teeth, exposure of the tooth roots, infection, tooth abscesses, and, eventually, tooth loss.
An untreated infection within the mouth may be picked up by the bloodstream and carried to other parts of the body. The result can be more serious health risks, such as kidney, liver and heart disease. Also, sore, painful and loose teeth can make your pet very uncomfortable and unwilling or unable to eat properly.
Will feeding my cat dry food prevent dental problems? No. Diet is probably much less important to prevent tartar buildup than most people think. Dry food is less sticky, of course, and does not adhere to the teeth as readily as canned food. But, eating dry food does not remove tartar from the teeth. Certain chewing toys or strips (especially those that contain enzymes) designed to clean the teeth may help tartar buildup somewhat, but only a professional cleaning by your veterinarian can remove tartar once it forms.
What contributes to dental disease in cats? One of the main factors is your cat's individual mouth chemistry. Some cats need yearly cleanings; others need cleanings only once every few years. Breed also plays a role in your pet's dental health. Persian cats are particularly prone to dental problems.
How can I tell if my pet has dental disease? Well, bad breath is one obvious clue. But you may also see yellow-brown teeth covered with a barnacle-like hard substance and red irritated gums that bleed easily. You may even see loose teeth that are very tender to the touch. However, the best way to determine if your pet needs a dental cleaning is to have your veterinarian do a dental health checkup.
What does a dental cleaning involve?If your vet determines that your cat needs a dental cleaning, here's what happens. First, your cat must be completely anesthetized. It is not possible to thoroughly clean the teeth if your cat is awake. Your cat's teeth will be cleaned, scaled with an ultrasonic scaler, and polished. A thorough evaluation of the teeth will determine if any of them need to be pulled. The vet will examine the entire oral cavity to look for abnormalities such as tumors or deep infections of the gums or jawbone. After the cleaning, your cat may need to take oral antibiotics and eat a softer diet for a few days, particularly if there was a lot of infection or if many teeth had to be extracted. When your cat goes home, you will be advised on the proper dental care program for your friend. |
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