Common oral health conditions in cats: plaque, gingivitis, and FORL
After eating, a soft coating of saliva, food particles, and bacteria builds up on a cat's teeth. If this is not constantly removed, it mineralizes into hard tartar under the influence of substances found in saliva, which presses against the gum line and causes severe gum inflammation, or gingivitis.
In addition to tartar, cats often experience tooth resorption, or FORL ( Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions ). In this disease, the cat's own cells begin to break down the tooth tissue and roots, causing damage to the tooth. The disease often affects several teeth at once and requires surgical treatment.
Signs that indicate dental health problems
Cats may continue to eat even when they have severe toothache, so behavioral changes should be monitored. The main indicators of inflammation and toothache are bad breath, red or bleeding gum edges, and a cat's reluctance to have its facial area touched.
When eating, your cat may drop pieces of food, chew with only one side of their mouth, or start to prefer soft canned food to kibble. Your cat may also become less interested in grooming their coat because the tongue makes contact with their teeth uncomfortable.
Home prophylaxis
The best way to maintain your cat's dental health is to brush their teeth daily with a microfiber cloth or soft toothbrush designed for pets. Only use special pet toothpaste, as human toothpaste contains fluoride and foaming agents that are toxic to cats.
Brushing your cat's teeth is introduced gradually, starting with offering the cat toothpaste to lick from a fingertip and moving on to using light movements on the outer surfaces of the gums and teeth. In addition to cleaning, special veterinary dry foods and supplements that prevent the growth of bacteria can help reduce plaque buildup.
Veterinary cleaning and dental treatment
In the case of hard tartar or severe gingivitis, home remedies are no longer enough. Veterinarians remove tartar and perform all necessary examinations under short-term general anesthesia.
During anesthesia, an oral x-ray is also performed if necessary, which is the only way to diagnose root canal inflammation and FORL damage below the gums. Damaged or decaying teeth are removed, relieving the cat from chronic pain.
From sources
The article is based on clinical guidelines from the International Society of Feline Medicine and the European Society of Veterinary Dentistry.
