Dental disease is one of the most common health issues we see in cats, yet it often goes unnoticed until it becomes advanced. Many cats continue eating and behaving normally even while experiencing significant discomfort in their mouths.
Understanding the most common dental conditions can help you spot problems early, protect your cat from unnecessary pain, and maintain their overall health and quality of life.
Plaque is a clear biofilm that harbours bacteria on the tooth surface. Over time it hardens and turns to tartar which is often brown or yellow. This a rough surface that makes it easier for bacteria to attach and proliferate on the teeth. Brushing daily can remove plaque, but an electronic scaler is needed to remove tartar. It's important to get underneath the gum line to clear plaque there that will lead to periodontal disease (see below). In dogs and cats this can only be done safely and correctly under general anaesthesia.
Gingivitis causes gums to be red and painful. This is a result of inflammation from bacteria on the teeth and the cat's immune response. Gingivitis can affect all teeth, or just a few. Gingivitis can be from plaque harbouring bacteria and allowing it to get under the gum line. With treatment and a preventive plan it can be reversed.
In cats gingivits can also be caused by FORLS (see below), or can be related to viral disease (calicivirus) or other systemic health conditions. Your vet can determine the cause by collating the information from the history, physical exam, dental exam and dental x-rays and provide guidance on treatment and prevention.
The periodontal ligament is dense fibrous connective tissue that secures the tooth to the bone.
https://www.moxiclear.com.au/blog/caring-for-your-pets-teeth
As plaque and tartar build up on the teeth they allow bacteria to proliferate. Bacteria can get underneath the gum line causing inflammation, pain and damage to the periodontal ligament (periodontitis). This can be identified in the conscious patient as gingivitis, gum recession, and even purulent discharge from the gum line or mobile teeth. During the dental procedure peritonitis can be diagnosed through a dental exam and identifying loss of bone around the tooth on dental x-rays.
Regular dental cleaning can halt the progression of Periodontitis.
If not addressed, the infection spreads around the tooth and deeper down the root of the teeth, eventually causing tooth loss.
Extraction of the teeth is indicated if there is more than 50% loss of the periodontal ligament, tooth mobility or pain, as sadly this condition can not be reversed.
Regular brushing and an annual dental procedure can help remove this plaque and tartar before it causes irreversible damage to the periodontal ligament.
Odontoclasts are a normal cell of the body. Their job is to resorb the roots of baby teeth during the normal teething process. In FORLs these cells are reactivated and damage the adult teeth. Leaving permanent and progressing resorptive lesions (similar to a deep cavity) in the teeth. These are commonly very painful. Over time the root is resorbed and the crown fractures off. Tragically it is not known what triggers this reactivation of the odontoclasts.
Significant gingivitis along a tooth can be suggestive for a lesion. Your vet may then recommend a dental procedure, whereby a diagnosis can be made through dental radiographs and dental examination. Currently the only effective treatment is extraction of the diseased tooth. This is indicated as it removes this source of pain, and we know the lesion will progress and lead to tooth fracture.
This condition is common in cats, especially the stray cat population with reported rates at 30-70%. Cats who have had a FORLs previously, may go on to develop more and so should have dental radiographs annually.
Source: https://www.veterinarydentalcenter.com/oral-conditions/feline-dentistry/tooth-resorption/
A very painful disease that causes severe inflammation to the gums and mucosa of the oral cavity. The cause remains unknown, but is thought to be an auto-immune condition secondary to possible previous viral infection, or disproportionate response to plaque and bacteria on the teeth. Food allergy may play a role. Treatment involves diligent cleaning through veterinary scale and polishes and home cleaning (if possible). Severe cases may benefit from having their molar teeth (and in some cases all teeth) extracted. Some also require ongoing immunosuppressive therapy. Thankfully cats can still eat very well even with no teeth.
Malocclusions occur when the jaw and the teeth don't align properly. Sometimes this doesn't cause any health problems. Other times it can cause pain and even gum ulceration as a tooth traumatises the gum of the opposing jaw.
Cats, especially British Shorthairs, are prone to a condition called caudal overclosure. Here, an overbite is causing the upper molar tooth to damage the gum of the lower jaw, causing ulceration and pain. The teeth can be trimmed at the dental specialist with a treatment called Odontoplasty, or the upper molars can be extracted.
Caudal Overclosure
Source: Advanced Animal Dentistry https://animaldental.com.au/caudal-malocclusion-in-cats/
If your pet has smelly breath, brown teeth, red gums, or seems to be chewing differently—don’t wait. Book a dental check-up today and let us help keep those pearly whites shining!
Call us on (02) 9631 9322 or
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