Cat Dental Care: Importance, Signs & Prevention
Here at Eastcott Vets, we understand that maintaining your cat's dental health is just as crucial as any other routine and preventative treatment. This is why we strongly recommend cat dental care, including regular teeth cleaning.
Just like humans, cats can suffer from dental problems like tartar buildup, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing your cat's teeth once or twice a day is the gold standard for good feline dental hygiene. Our team would be happy to assist you with answering any questions you may have about cat teeth cleaning, as well as advising you on the recommended products or diets for your cat's oral health.
Symptoms of oral disease in cats
Cats are very good at hiding discomfort or showing signs of pain, and this is why cat owners may not detect that their cat has oral disease. This is why our vets and nurses perform a thorough dental check at each general consultation.
Here are some signs to watch for, particularly in cases of severe oral health disease:
- Root exposure
- Severe gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
- Tooth root infections
- Continued eating despite these issues (often showing only subtle signs)
Early detection of cat dental disease can significantly reduce the number of extractions required. While plaque can be removed by tooth brushing, tartar will not be removed this way. If tartar is already present, we recommend a scale and polish procedure to remove it, followed by regular tooth brushing to prevent future build-up.
A general anaesthesia is required for all oral procedures; however, a scale and polish is a much shorter procedure with a faster recovery compared to multiple extractions for your cat.
Signs of Dental Problems in Cats
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Visible tartar build-up on teeth (brown colouration on surface of teeth)
- Red or inflamed gums (gingivitis)
- Discoloured teeth
- Loose teeth
Signs of Severe Oral Disease in Cats
- Drooling
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Slowness or reluctance to eat
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Dropping food from the mouth when eating
- Swelling around the mouth
If you detect any of the above signs, please contact Eastcott Vets in Swindon to book an appointment for a vet to examine your cat as soon as possible.
Cat Dental Care
Preventing Cat Dental Disease
The best way to maintain healthy cat dental care is to brush their teeth daily. The Eastcott Vets team would be happy to provide advice on introducing toothbrushing to your cat.
Regular scale and polish procedures can also be beneficial for cleaning teeth thoroughly. Since cats can't stay motionless for long, these procedures may be carried out under a brief general anaesthesia. This ensures the safety of both your cat and our team.
Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs)
Some cats develop FORLs, which is a condition where the tooth is resorbed by the body. While the cause is unknown, FORLs are quite common and can cause significant pain. If you suspect your cat has FORLs, a thorough dental examination is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning, which often involves tooth extraction.
These lesions cause a little hole in the enamel near the gum line as the tooth eats away at a portion of the tooth. These lesions are very painful for cats and can lead to tooth fractures due to weakened teeth. They require extraction to resolve.
Free Cat Dental Checks at Eastcott Vets
Concerned about your cat's dental health? At Eastcott Vets in Swindon, we offer free dental checks with our veterinary specialist. During the appointment, they will:
- Discuss your cat's health and any dental concerns.
- Perform a thorough examination of their mouth.
- Recommend the best course of action, like dental cleaning, or potential extractions (if needed).
- Provide detailed aftercare instructions.
Book a Free cat dental checkup:
- Existing clients: Call 01793 528341 or book online.
- New clients: Register your pet online before booking.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about cat dental care, feline oral health, or cat teeth cleaning, as well as advise you on the recommended products or dental diets for your pet. Contact your nearest Eastcott Vets in Swindon for a consultation.
