What Are The Main Dental Problems In Cats?
Dental problems are very common in cats. Whether benign or significant, they affect felines of all ages and especially of all breeds. Tartar formation, inflammation, pain, cats teeth can be a source of problems. Here is everything you need to know about dental problems in cats, but also how to prevent and treat them.
Everything You Need To Know About Cat Teeth
The dentition of an adult cat is typically that of a carnivore. It consists of:
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- 12 small incisors,
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- 4 pointed and sharp canines,
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- 14 non-flattened molars (8 at the top, 6 at the bottom) including 4 very bulky called carnassials.
A cat’s teeth are used both for eating and for self- defense . It is possible to estimate the age of a cat by the wear of its teeth. Kittens see their first teeth appear after only 2 to 3 weeks of life. These milk teeth are 26 in number and fall around the age of 3 months. They allow the little cat to wean itself. A cat’s teeth are fragile and must be maintained throughout their life.
The Many Dental Problems Of The Cat
There are many dental problems in cats. It is important to know how to identify them in order to treat them as well as possible. Here are the most common problems.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis in cats is an inflammation of the gums. It is characterized by redness and sometimes swelling. Very painful, gingivitis is manifested by loss of appetite and weight, bad breath and bleeding. To reduce the risk of gingivitis, the cat must have excellent dental hygiene. Do not hesitate to have his teeth checked at the veterinarian regularly and even to brush him.
Bad Breath, Or Halitosis
Cat’s bad breath is also called feline halitosis. It can be a sign of a dental disorder as well as a more serious illness. A cat may have bad breath because it has just licked itself, but it may also suffer from tartar, gingivitis, infection or kidney or digestive disease. Finally, if your cat has swallowed a foreign body, the decomposition of the latter can lead to bad breath.
Dental Ulcer
Ulcers are wounds found on the skin, mucous membranes and even in the eyes. There are mouth ulcers. These infections are caused by tumors and inflammations. Most often, they are accompanied by bad breath.
Dental Plaque
As in humans, dental plaque can accumulate in the cat’s oral cavity. The more important it is, the more harmful it is. Indeed, it can be the seat of many bacteria. Good dental hygiene and even regular brushing of the cat’s teeth helps fight tartar and therefore its consequences. It should be noted that the veterinarian can carry out a descaling. For this, your cat is anesthetized.
The Broken Tooth
A cat can break a tooth. In this case, in addition to the pain, the cat can hurt itself inside the mouth or even suffer from an infection. If your cat has broken a tooth, it is highly recommended that you go to the vet for a check-up.
Caries
Once again cats can suffer from cavities just like humans. These come to alter the quality of the teeth. They can be the seat of pain and sometimes infections. Too often cat’s cat cavities are ignored. However, they can be the cause of serious pathologies. Again, a check up with the vet is recommended to ensure the cat is in good health.
How To Prevent Dental Problems In Cats?
You all know the expression prevention is better than cure. It applies particularly to cats. Our felines fully exploit their teeth and can have problems that impact their health and well-being. To reduce the risk of dental problems, it is recommended to have your animal followed by a veterinarian. Thanks to regular checks, any problems are detected and treated early.
It is also possible to brush the cat’s teeth. To achieve this, all you need to do is get a specific toothbrush. It is marketed in specialized stores, pharmacies, pet stores and at the veterinarian. Attention ! Do not use translational toothpaste for your cat. It contains too much fluoride. Formulas exist for felines. It is also possible to give the cat treats or even toys designed to reduce dental plaque. Most often, they take the form of chewable sticks.
How To Take Care Of A Cat’S Teeth?
Because you are not a veterinarian, you cannot treat your pet’s teeth. Also, we recommend that you make an appointment with a professional if care is required. Determining when to bring your pet is easy. Here are the signs to watch out for.
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- Your cat has lost its appetite, it eats less.
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- Your cat is losing weight.
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- Your cat has bad breath.
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- Your cat has difficulty eating his kibble.
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- Your cat is salivating a lot
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- Your cat has red, swollen gums.
The veterinarian will be able to identify the dental problem and propose the most suitable treatment. This can include descaling, treatment with anti-inflammatories or even treatment with antibiotics. In the vast majority of cases, once the treatment is over, the cat feels better and resumes a normal life.
During the appointment with the veterinarian, do not hesitate to ask for advice on improving your cat’s oral hygiene. Sometimes it is necessary to change the brand of kibble or to enrich the cat’s diet with minerals.