When it comes to cats, health complications are all too common. Although a wide range of issues can affect a cat’s health, one of the most concerning areas for pet owners is dental health. From gingivitis to stomatitis and various other disorders, some cats are more likely to suffer from a mouth-related problem than others. In this blog post, we’ll take you through five of the most common mouth issues cats can face – and provide advice on what pet owners should do if their feline friend develops any of these conditions.
1. Gingivitis
In gingivitis, the gums become inflamed because of bacterial plaque, but the ligaments and bones are not yet affected. The gums change in color from coral-pink to red or purple, and the edge of the gum swells. The gums tend to bleed on contact. Bad breath is common. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper tooth cleaning but, if untreated, may lead to periodontitis.
A form of juvenile-onset gingivitis is seen in some cats at 6 to 8 months of age. Cats with this condition often have swollen gums and bad breath.
Gingivitis can usually be treated by thorough professional teeth cleaning performed under anesthesia. This includes cleaning below the gum line. If gingivitis does not improve, your cat should be examined again to determine if more extensive cleaning is required. When cleanings are completed, your veterinarian may apply a sealant to the teeth to prevent bacterial buildup and improve healing. Cats that do not respond to treatment should be evaluated for other diseases, such as immune system problems, diabetes, and especially feline Bartonella infection (cat scratch fever). Gingivitis will reoccur if the teeth are not clean and plaque-free.
2. Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption is when the tooth structure breaks down, beginning inside the tooth and often progressing to other parts of the tooth. Tooth resorption is the most common cause of tooth loss in cats, and between 30 and 70% of cats show some sign of this destructive process. The cause of tooth resorption is not known.
Tooth resorption in cats is usually first identified as a pinkish defect in the tooth at the line where the tooth meets the gums. The tooth is already significantly damaged when a defect like this shows up. Resorptive lesions like these can vary in severity from relatively small defects at the gum line to large defects in the enamel of the tooth crown. Tooth resorption may or may not be associated with gingivitis.
Tooth resorption can be very painful, so affected cats may be reluctant to eat, drool, turn their heads to the side while eating, and may be irritable. Veterinarians will usually diagnose by examining the mouth and teeth, carefully probing any lesions, and examining X-rays of the head and jaw, which require anesthesia.
3. Developmental Abnormalities
Developmental problems with the teeth include a misaligned bite and defects in the tooth enamel. These abnormalities often have a genetic component. In general, abnormalities that affect a cat’s comfort, health, or ability to function require treatment; those that only affect the look (aesthetics) of the tooth do not.
Improper Bite
Proper growth and development of the mouth and teeth depend on a series of events that must occur in proper sequence, or long-term complications will occur. Early detection and intervention is the best way to prevent more serious problems later in the cat’s life. Dental development can be divided into three stages: Stage 1 is from 0 to 16 weeks of age, Stage 2 is from 16 weeks to 7 months, and Stage 3 is from 7 months to 1½ years of age.
Stage 1: Kittens are born with relatively long upper jaws (“overbite”), which allow them to nurse. As the kitten grows and eats solid food, the lower jaw goes through a growth spurt. If certain lower baby teeth come in before the growth spurt, they can get caught behind the upper teeth and prevent the lower jaw from developing to its proper length. The usual treatment is to remove several of the baby’s lower teeth. This will allow the lower jaw to reach its full length and avert problems with the permanent teeth.
The reverse situation can also occur. In these cases, the lower jaw grows faster than usual and becomes too long for the upper jaw, producing an “underbite.” This condition can be detected as early as eight weeks of age. Again, certain teeth from the upper jaw may become caught behind those of the lower jaw, preventing proper upper jaw growth. As in the previous situation, the treatment is usually to extract several teeth; in this case, the upper teeth are removed.
Stage 2: The most important problem that can occur during this stage is the retention of baby teeth. Abnormal tooth position and bite may result if the baby teeth are not lost when the corresponding permanent teeth are coming in. If retained baby teeth are removed by a veterinarian as soon as they are noticed, complications can usually be prevented.
Another developmental defect noted in this stage is abnormal positioning (tilting) of the upper canine teeth. Depending on the specific situation and age of the cat, orthodontic treatment (that is, “braces” for your pet) can be used to align teeth in their correct positions. This treatment is only effective in some cats. In most cases, tooth shortening or extractions might be necessary.
Stage 3: Additional types of incorrect tooth placement and crowding of teeth can occur during this stage of your pet’s growth. Treatment, if necessary, may include orthodontic treatment and possibly tooth extraction.
Enamel Defects
During the development of tooth enamel, fevers and the deposition of certain chemicals within the tooth may cause permanent damage and malformed teeth. Severe malnutrition in young cats or trauma to a tooth may also cause enamel defects. These defects may occur only in certain areas (usually horizontal lines extending around the tooth) or affect the entire tooth. Treating these conditions can include bonding synthetic materials to the teeth, fluoride treatment, and frequent dental preventive care.
4. Periodontal Disease
In periodontitis, the tissue damage is more severe and includes the gums, ligaments, and bone. It usually is seen after the development of plaque, tartar, and gingivitis. Plaque is a thin film of food debris, bacteria, saliva, and dead cells continually deposited on your animal’s teeth. Plaque that is present for more than 72 hours begins to harden into a substance called tartar (calculus) that accumulates at the base of the teeth. This buildup irritates the gums and contributes to the development of gum disease.
Periodontitis is irreversible and results in permanent loss of tooth support. In some cats, this disease can be seen as early as one year of age.
Periodontitis is treated with a thorough professional cleaning above and below the gum line performed under anesthesia. Your veterinarian can determine the extent of bone support loss by taking x-rays of the jaws. Periodontitis often requires more thorough treatment than gingivitis, and additional procedures may be necessary to treat the disease deep within the gums. Extractions are often necessary. They allow the tissue to heal, and cats do surprisingly well without the teeth. In addition, surgery may be needed to gain access to the root surface for cleaning. Finally, veterinarians will treat any factors contributing to periodontitis, such as tooth crowding or underlying diseases.
If your cat has been treated for periodontitis, you will need to continue oral hygiene care at home. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions, including daily toothbrushing, dietary changes, plaque prevention gel, and oral rinses. Frequent (every three months to 1 year) preventive cleanings will help to avoid relapse and prevent further bone loss.
5. Stomatitis
Cats with feline stomatitis have progressively worsening inflammation of the mouth, gums, and upper throat. The tissues in the back of the throat may be raised, with extensive sores. The cause is unproven but may be related to an inappropriate inflammatory response to a substance on the tooth surface. Many affected cats also harbor long-term calicivirus organisms. The most immediate sign is severe pain on opening the mouth. The cat may vocalize and jump when it yawns or opens its mouth to pick up food. An affected cat may have bad breath, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Cats often show an “approach-avoidance” reaction as they approach their food in hunger, then hiss and run off in anticipation of discomfort. If the condition is severe and of long duration, the animal may be noticeably thinner. If soft, palatable foods are being fed, the condition may be fairly severe before the signs are recognized.
Frequently, because of the cat’s pain, a veterinarian will need to sedate it to examine the mouth. A complete history, assessment of the mouth, and evaluation for generalized diseases (such as renal failure) and bacterial and viral infections will be included in the examination. A tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken to help exclude oral cancers or other specific mouth disorders.
Surgical removal of all the premolars and molars and removal of the connective tissue that attaches the teeth to the bone of the jaw is the only treatment that has provided some improvement and aided in overall long-term control. All teeth (full-mouth extractions) may need to be removed in some animals. If the teeth are extracted early in the disease process, the procedure generally results in significant improvement or complete resolution of the inflammation in 60% to 80% of cats. When extractions are delayed, the response to surgery is not good. Extracting all or most teeth is not as bad as it sounds. Cats eat well without their teeth. Antibiotics should be given if bacterial infections are present. Dietary changes, pain medications, and antiseptic mouthwashes may help lessen signs. Animals unable or unwilling to eat and drink may require intravenous fluids or a feeding tube to prevent dehydration. Frequent feedings of tasty liquids and, later, semi-solid foods encourage eating.
Fungal Stomatitis
An overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans causes fungal stomatitis. It is an uncommon cause of mouth inflammation in cats. Signs of the disease include redness, sores, bleeding, and creamy white flat areas (plaques) on the tongue or mucous membranes; bad breath; excessive drooling; and loss of appetite. It is usually thought to be associated with other oral diseases, long-term antibiotics, or a suppressed immune system. When possible, both the underlying disease and the fungal infection itself will be treated. A balanced diet should be maintained. The outlook is guarded if the underlying disease cannot adequately treat or control.
In conclusion, these five common mouth problems—gingivitis, tooth resorption, developmental abnormalities, periodontal disease, and stomatitis—are uncomfortable (and sometimes dangerous) conditions that can affect cats of any age – and it’s important to be aware of the signs associated with each one. Dental prevention is key when caring for your feline friend; keeping up with regular checkups at the vet’s office and ensuring your cat has a balanced dietary intake are essential steps toward guaranteeing good dental health. Additionally, brushing their teeth regularly using an appropriate brush and specially formulated toothpaste is also recommended to help prevent gum disease and cavities. As pet owners, taking all of these considerations into account will improve your cat’s quality of life and prolong it – so be sure to take action when necessary!
References:
https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/digestive-disorders-of-cats/disorders-of-the-mouth-in-cats
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_stomatitis
https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mouth-inflammation-ulcers
