The periodontal or gum disease in cats is an inflammation of some or all of the tooth’s deep supporting structures. This is one of the most common illnesses in the cats nowadays. This particular feline condition affects all ages, even though it is more common in the older cats. Get to learn more about this feline condition and more –feel free to give this article a read.
Gum Disease in Cats: What is this feline condition?
The inflammation that’s caused by some kind of bacteria actually does more than causing the gums and teeth to detach. Further, the connected infection may cause harm to the liver, heart, and kidneys. Moreover, the infection happens when the bacteria gets to flows into the blood and extents all over the body. In addition, it’s important to treat the condition right before it starts to become another health problem for the cat.
Moreover, gum disease in cats is a gum issue, which is typical amongst cats. In case plaque has formed from saliva, as well as the bacteria inside the mouth is being left without any treatment, it may turn into a yellowish layer or tartar. The bacteria may then release toxins underneath the gum line, which may cause gums inflammation or gingivitis. Moreover, the gums begin to deteriorate and can’t support the teeth. If it is left without any treatment, this illness may cause a gums and teeth separation. Further, the feline condition can’t be upturned when the teeth detach from the gums, as well as the detachment may result in the loss of teeth.
Types of Cat Gum Disease
There are 4 different types of gum disease in cats, and the cases may range from mild to austere:
- Phase 1: Show indications of gingivitis, just like red gums, swelling, and tartar. Furthermore, the teeth and gums don’t detach from each other.
- Phase 2: The gums gets painful and swollen, and the tooth crowns start to become weaker.
- Phase 3: Plaque has accrued underneath the gum line, and it’s affecting the tooth or even teeth. The gums and teeth are beginning to detach from each other.
- Phase 4: The tartar has already accrued and has caused the gums to retrocede. Further, the roots get exposed and the teeth should be extracted.
Causes of Cat Gum Disease
The major cause of the gum disease in cats is insufficient oral hygiene. The cat can’t floss and brush its teeth, in order to remove the tartar and plaque. Bacteria, food, as well as saliva produce plaque in the cat’s mouth. This builds up underneath the gum line and in turn, becomes tartar. This particular condition causes the detachment of the gums and teeth eventually. What begins as gingivitis may turn into austere gum disease if you don’t take care of your teeth.
Symptoms of Cat Gum Disease
It is important to contact the vet as soon as you notice any signs and symptoms of the condition. This is for you to take the cat to the vet right before the problem starts to become worse. The cat might show the following symptoms in the late or early phases of the gum disease in cats:
- Loss of teeth
- Pus nearby the teeth
- Yellow on the teeth
- Receding gums
- Bleeding gums
- Redness on the gums
- Swelling of the face
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive drooling
- Nasal discharge
- Foul odor
Prognosis of Cat Gum Disease
The signs and symptoms of gum disease in cats are an indication that you already need to take the cat to the vet. The veterinarian is going to diagnose and assess the austerity of the condition. Further, the vet may give the cat an exam of the mouth, in order to confirm the gum condition. This examination may include looking for some medical signs, like bad breath, bleeding or red gums, as well as accrued tartar.
Moreover, the cat may also need to go under general anesthesia so the vet may determine the austerity of its condition. The gum disease in cats is commonly found underneath the gum line, and the veterinarian must check this particular area even without distressing the cat. The vet may also use dental probe in checking the attachment on each tooth. Expect that the vet will order dental x-rays, in order to assess the bone loss, gum line and some other dental issues. Taking the cat to the vet during the early phases of the gum disease may save its gums and teeth from detachment.
Treatments for Cat Gum Disease
The particular treatment for the gum disease in cats vary on how unconventional the condition is. In the earlier phases, the treatment is mainly focused on the control of plaque, as well as the prevention of the attachment loss. This is attained through day-to-day brushing with toothpaste, expert polishing, cleansing, as well as the recommended fluoride application.
On the other hand, in the phases 2 or 3, the treatment may involve the cleaning of the spaces in between the teeth and gums, as well as the application of some antibiotic gel, in order to revitalize the periodontal tissues, as well as reduce the size of the spaces.
In addition, in the more radical phases, periodontal splinting, bone replacement operations, as well as a directed tissue regeneration might be necessary.
