Gingivitis can be painful for cats and needs to be treated right away. Today, our Enterprise vets discuss the causes, signs, and treatment of gingivitis in cats.
What is gingivitis in cats?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum or gingiva, which surrounds the teeth. This disease can range from moderate to severe, and cats with severe cases of gingivitis can become very uncomfortable and have problems eating.
To remedy the condition, a tooth cleaning under anesthesia would be required. Just like humans, plaque—a buildup of germs, debris, dead skin cells, mucus, and food—can accumulate on the teeth and contribute to this dental issue.
Signs of Gingivitis in Cats
Common signs of gingivitis in cats can include:
- Plaque build-up
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Difficulty picking up toys
- Calculi/tartar
- Difficulty eating
- Not eating at all
- Red or swollen gums
Causes of Gingivitis in Cats
Some common causes of gingivitis in cats may include:
- Crowded teeth
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Old age
- Soft Food
- Bad Dental Care
Diagnosing Gingivitis in Cats
Cats are very good at hiding their pain, so they may not show any signs of discomfort even if they have severe oral pain. Your cat could be acting perfectly fine, being active, and eating normally, but you still have dental issues.
It's important to regularly take your cat to the vet for check-ups so that the vet can catch any dental problems early. Vets are often able to identify signs of conditions while observing an animal and checking for the symptoms mentioned above.
How to Treat Your Cat's Gingivitis
The treatment for gingivitis in cats focuses on removing built-up plaque and dental calculus and addressing any diseased teeth by treating or extracting them. Regular tooth cleanings and dental X-rays should be done under anesthesia to address inflammatory dental diseases.
For cats with stomatitis, a comfortable mouth may require teeth extractions by a veterinarian as needed. The frequency of dental checkups for your cat will depend on the severity of its periodontal disease. Your vet might recommend a tooth extraction if your adult cat has overcrowded or baby teeth. Your veterinarian will also educate you on how to brush your cat's teeth and schedule follow-up exams.
Caring for Your Cat's Oral Health
You can purchase toothpaste and brushes designed for cats at most pet supply stores. These can help prevent gingivitis. You should gradually and consistently introduce your kitty to the toothbrushing process so they can get used to it.
Make Your Cat Comfortable With Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
Leave snacks on the counter near the toothpaste and toothbrush so cats can associate something positive with them. You can also place a dab of toothpaste for them to lick off your finger so they get accustomed to it.
Getting Your Cat Used to You Touching Their Mouth
Choose a dental treat your cat enjoys and place it on their canine teeth. As they become accustomed to it, they start putting it deeper and deeper into their mouth, on their teeth. This gets them used to you touching their mouth and makes it easier for you to introduce the toothpaste.
Brush Your Cat's Teeth
Once your cat is familiar with you touching its mouth and the feeling of a toothbrush and toothpaste, brushing its teeth should be easier. Brush along its gum line (only on the outside of its teeth) for approximately 15 to 30 seconds, and when you are done, reward it with a treat.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.