Tooth Problems in Cats

Cats need regular dental check-ups to ensure their teeth are clean and functional. Prevention of dental problems can be done with regular cleaning and checking by the cat's owner. Symptoms of a developing problem may include bad breath, inflammation, lapses in grooming, hesitance to eat and sudden onset of drooling. Take your cat to the vet as soon as possible if you notice these symptoms.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis in cats, like in humans, is a mild form of periodontal disease. In can be limited to one tooth area or widespread in the cat's mouth. Symptoms include bad breath and bleeding. Gingivitis is treatable but can progress to infection and tooth and bone loss if left to progress untreated.

Periodontal Disease

Plaque build-up combined with saliva and food debris cause tartar on a cat's teeth. Tartar is yellow and appears along the gum line, where it irritates the gum. If left untreated, tartar builds under the gum line and inflames the tissues. Bacteria can build up and release toxins that cause pockets of infection. This causes the gums to separate from the teeth and leads to the breakdown of the tooth and bone structures. Prevention includes regular check-ups and cleaning.

Endodontic Disease

Also known as pulpitis, endodontic disease is an inflammation of the tooth pulp. This is reversible if caught early and treated with a root canal or tooth removal. Symptoms include pain, hesitation to eat, abscess and draining, and a grey colored tooth.

FORL

Feline Ondoclastic Resorptive Lesions, or FORL, is indicated by bright red gums, drooling and hesitance to eat. These lesions usually form under the gumline and in your cat's premolars. Diagnosis depends on x-rays and a thorough examination by the vet. Treatments include fluoride sealants for mild stage 1 FORL disease and tooth extraction for severe stage 5 FORL.

Abscess

Abscess or infections can be caused by advanced dental disease, FORL or fractures of the cat's teeth. Bacteria permeates the tooth and causes the roots to become infected. Symptoms include a visible abscess, swelling and bleeding from the nose or mouth. Treatments include antibiotics and tooth removal with a thorough cleaning of the affected area, if necessary.

Stomastitis

Chronically inflamed and ulcerated soft mouth tissues are symptoms of stomastitis. Symptoms included refusal to eat, weight loss, drooling, bad breath and bleeding gums. X-rays may need to be taken by the vet to determine the extent of the disease as well as a biopsy to pinpoint the cause. Stomastitus is very difficulty to treat but long-term antibiotics may be given. Cats who don't respond to the antibiotics may lose their teeth behind their canine teeth.