In cats, odontoclast is a kind of cell, which may cause the structures of the tooth to disintegrate. Originally, the odontoclast cells attach into the natural cavities in the oral tissue, with the main purpose of reengaging the deciduous or non-permanent teeth. As the resorption keeps on going, various complications might develop, since the bone-like tissue covers up the problem area. Over a course of time, the bones and ligaments, which hold the teeth, will be affected as well. In this article, we will be defining what tooth decay in cats is. If you want to learn more about this feline oral condition, read on to this article.
What is Tooth Decay in Cats?
With the regular cleaning, as well as the proper diet and nutrition, the buildup of the odontoclast cells may be mitigated and even be averted, thus helping in minimizing the potential for this particular painful condition of the mouth in cats.
Moreover, tooth decay in cats may also be a painful condition for the cats. The tooth decay from cat tooth resorption is a condition, wherein the cellular organisms tend to attach into the teeth. All of these organisms erode at the enamel and, sooner or later, cause the teeth of the cat to disintegrate over the course of time. The odontoclast cells also tend to attach into the crevices, as well as cracks on the teeth.
Causes of Cat Tooth Decay
Though the underlying cause of the tooth decay in cats is odontoclast cells that attach themselves to the teeth’s surface, the capacity of the cells to ascribe in the first place has a lot of primary causes. Several of these might include the following:
- Certain imbalances on the mineral
- Poor maintenance of oral health
- Increase in the presence of plaque
- Worn teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
Symptoms of Cat Tooth Decay
Though the most obvious among the symptoms of tooth decay in cats may be visible upon the inspection of the mouth and teeth, this is actually not always noticeable on a day-to-day basis. However, there are further symptoms that you may watch out for, they are as follows:
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Infection in the gums or mouth
- Sensitivity to hard foods
- Reduced desire in grooming
- Bad breath
Prognosis of Cat Tooth Decay
Whatever diagnosis of tooth decay in the cat may involve a vet doing a complete examination of the mouth of the cat. In the course of this time, the veterinarian might use his or her finger or a probe to gently press on the chary teeth. Furthermore, the vet might also ask for a complete history of the drinking and eating habits of the cat, as well as whatever medical records, which relate to the previous examinations. The pervious oral examinations might be especially beneficial in establishing the rate of the decay –if there is any.
Though this simple examination may help in confirming the existence of a decay, or identify some other associated illnesses, it will not allow the vet to define the austerity of the tooth decay in cats. To be able to diagnose properly the austerity of the condition, as well as decide on a proper mode of treatment, the vet might need to conduct x-rays of the mouth of the cat. This will necessitate the cat to be undergo a general anesthesia.
While the cat is under anesthesia for the x-rays, the vet may conduct a more complete oral examination on the teeth of the cat. Further, the vet might also use some special dental instruments in pulling back or gently moving the gums, in order to determine how intensely the teeth are really affected. This may allow the vet in identifying any pockets of abscesses or infection, which are subordinate to the tooth decay in cats.
Treatments for Cast Tooth Decay
The kind of treatment the vet may prescribe for tooth decay in cats may depend on the austerity, as well as the primary cause of the condition itself.
Mild Tooth Decay
For mild cases of tooth decay, the vet might advise a complete cleaning of the cat’s teeth. This happen in a vet’s office and may commonly involve general anesthesia. Placing the cat under general anesthesia for the treatment have some perils, yet it’ll ensure a complete removal of the harmful bacteria and cells, as well as allow the veterinarian to treat deeper in the gum line.
Severe Tooth Decay
For the treatment of severe case of tooth decay, the vet may likely need to conduct an oral surgery on the cat. All through the surgery, the vet may get rid of the decaying teeth. Every so often, this is done in the event that the teeth have severely become dented, as well as run the danger of drawing more bacteria growths, which may cause mouth infections.
