Periodontitis In Cats: It Is Essential To Avoid It

Taking a scratch is worth it, of course, as long as it helps prevent periodontitis. Brushing a cat’s teeth is no easy task, but protecting its health has its rewards. Periodontitis retracts the animal’s gums, separates its teeth and allows bacterial infections that endanger our friend’s health.

Bacterial plaque

The plaque formed by the bacteria joins the minerals in the saliva to generate tartar.  These bacteria attach to the gums and inflame them, which causes gingivitis. Afterwards, they inflame and destroy the supporting tissue of the tooth, which falls, resulting in periodontitis.

The combination of the two is known as periodontal disease and the bacteria associated with it can travel through the bloodstream to the heart, kidneys and liver.

Thus, periodontitis is a discrete disease that progresses silently.  If your pet has bad breath, drool, red gums with pus or blood, you should take action. If some teeth have fallen out or he is reluctant to eat, if he touches his mouth with his paw, has a runny nose or a swollen face, a visit to the veterinarian is mandatory.

Periodontitis in cats is potentially deadly and affects more than 80% of adults.  In some cases, the disease can also appear at a young age, causing severe pain. In advanced stages, the only solution is to remove the teeth to prevent the infection from continuing through the mouth and throat.

Periodontitis in cats, how to avoid it

Avoiding this suffering requires respecting annual visits to the veterinarian and dental cleanings.  Unlike gingivitis, which is curable with rigorous care, the treatment of periodontitis requires analgesics and antibiotics to lessen the pain of extraction.

When it is very advanced, the detection of periodontitis requires a thorough veterinary examination performed under anesthesia.  A dental probe allows the specialist to see if there is bone loss around each tooth, as well as abscess formation and other dental problems.

The loss of support structures around the teeth is, in general, irreversible. This requires the use of antibiotics and decision-making on how to extract the teeth to preserve the animal’s life, hence the importance of prevention in all aspects.

Cats eat up to 20 times a day, always in small amounts, so the risk of plaque and tartar is permanent.  Daily food, therefore, has an important role in prevention, needing to be nutritious to reduce the presence of bacteria.

goodies and vitamins

Some treats help prevent plaque and tartar.  There are feeds that have a harsh action when the cat chews them, others include ingredients to prevent tartar mineralization through saliva.

Phosphorylated Vitamin C helps prevent tartar.  It captures calcium in saliva to prevent it from coming into contact with the tooth and releases it into the digestive tract, helping to strengthen bones. The polyphenols in green tea, which have an antibacterial effect in the mouth, curb plaque and bad breath.

Brushing teeth prevents periodontitis in cats

Brushing your teeth is a daily obligation, so you need to get used to them from an early age.  The advantage is that plaque is eliminated before it turns into tartar, preventing periodontitis.

Using the different toothpaste options for animals, with chicken, malt or seafood flavor, you can get a correct brushing.  Dental products for humans should never be used, as some substances that compose them can be swallowed by cats.

However, stay calm if the cat is opposed to brushing, scratching or running away. Pet mouthwash solutions attack gingivitis bacteria and periodontitis. Even some can be placed in the water the cat drinks, going unnoticed.

Ensuring your cats’ health will always be rewarded with affection and tenderness.  Affection, love and protection are animal needs. However, don’t forget that proper hygiene is also a priority, even if you get a few scratches.