Cats need regular dental care to ensure their teeth and gums are in good health. Regular dental cleanings help prevent infections, loose teeth and decay
Cat Dental Diseases
Cats that do not have their teeth regularly cleaned are prone to developing Feline Stomatis (LPS), Feline Odontoclastic Oral Resorption (FORL) and Malocclusion. LPS is also known as Lymphocytic Stomatitis. It causes inflammation of the mouth and is thought to be an autoimmune disease or a symptom of FIV and FeLV. Cats with LPS often have gingivitis. This disease causes severe inflammation of the mouth.
FORL is characterized by deterioration of the enamel. To the naked eye, it appears as pits in the teeth. When this starts, plaque and bacteria colonize in these pits, causing tooth decay and the need for extractions.
Malocclusion is painful and causes weight loss, difficulty eating and pain.
Symptoms of Poor Dental Health
Cats are very adept at hiding their pain. It is a survival instinct so that they do not appear weak. For this reason, cat owners must be vigilant in looking for signs and symptoms of poor dental health. Symptoms and signs of dental diseases include horrible breath, inflamed and red gums, deep red lines, ulcers or sores on the gums and inside the mouth, excessive drooling, pus, clawing or pawing at the mouth and difficulty eating or chewing.
If your cat is showing any of these signs or symptoms, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with our Troutdale veterinarian. Mouth infections and lesions can be very serious if they are left to fester. They can even be fatal.
Dental Care at our Troutdale Pet Medical Center
We offer dental x-rays, examinations and teeth cleanings for cats. During your cat’s dental appointment, our veterinarian will examine your pet’s mouth for signs of infection, dental diseases and tooth decay. We will also clean your cat’s teeth. Teeth cleanings are done under anesthesia for your pet’s comfort. This allows our veterinarian to thoroughly scrape all the plaque and tartar from your cat’s teeth and below the gum line to reduce the chances of your cat acquiring periodontal disease and gingivitis as well as mouth sores and infections. Once the cleaning is finished, our vet polishes your cat’s teeth to make it harder for food and plaque to stick to your pet’s teeth and gums.
If you do find problems with your pet’s teeth and gums, we will recommend a course of treatment. Infections are typically treated with antibiotics. Loose teeth and tooth decay usually require extractions.
To prevent the need to extract your cat’s teeth, we recommend professional cleanings at least once a year for kittens and adult cats. For older cats, we recommend getting his or her teeth cleaned every six months to help maintain good oral health.
To schedule an appointment with our veterinarian for feline dental care, call our Troutdale office at 503-661-1833.