Dental problems are the most common disease that we see in cats.  They lead to bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, loose teeth, pain, and difficulty eating. Occasionally, cats will reveal that the mouth is hurting by pawing at their mouths, drooling, or deliberately turning their heads to one side as they eat, to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth that’s painful.  Some cats will completely stop eating due to dental pain.  Others may stop eating dry food and only eat wet food.

Periodontal disease, an inflammation of the the tissues surrounding the teeth, is very common in cats.  Untreated, it can lead to oral pain, abscess formation, osteomyelitis (bone infection), and tooth loss.  Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through diseased oral tissues, affecting other organs as well, most notably the heart valves and kidneys.

 Periodontal disease is caused by plaque - the sticky bacteria-laden coating on the tooth surface - and the body’s response to those bacteria and the toxins they release.  As the immune system responds to the plaque, the gums become inflamed.  This is the first phase of periodontal disease: gingivitis.  As the inflammation progresses, the second phase of periodontal disease – periodontitis – occurs.  Periodontitis is a condition where both soft and bony tissues are affected, and cats may develop receding gums, bone loss, and periodontal ligament damage.  If not removed, plaque mineralizes into tartar (also called calculus) in a few days. Calculus requires mechanical removal.