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National Pet Dental Health Month 2014 – Feline Dental Disease

Rebecca Schmidt • Feb 07, 2014
Does your cat’s mouth seem a bit tender when touched or is she more cautious when she eats? Your cat may be suffering from dental disease. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 70 percent of cats show some sign of oral disease by age three. Cats can develop plaque and tartar build up just like people. This is caused by oral bacteria and food. Remember, cats never brush their teeth!

Severe plaque and tartar build up

February has been designated as National Pet Dental Health Month to help bring attention to the importance of your cat’s oral health. One of the most important things you can do as a cat owner is to make a trip to your veterinarian to have your cat’s teeth, gums and oral cavity checked.

Signs of dental disease

Between veterinary appointments, it’s good idea to watch for signs of any issue that could be developing. If your cat is eating more cautiously than usually, there could be tenderness in the gums caused by developing dental issues. You can look at your cat’s teeth or gums by lifting up his or her lip to check.

If anything seems abnormal, it’s best for your veterinarian to check your cat’s mouth to see if it’s time for a cleaning. What should you look for on a routine basis :

Discolored, broken or crooked teeth
Growths in the mouth
Red, swollen or bleeding gums
Tartar crust or build up along the gum line
Bad breath
Drooling
Swollen cheek
Missing teeth

Changes in your cat’s general behavior can also mean there is a problem. If your cat is less willing to play or starts sleeping more this could be a sign of dental disease.

Health issues related to dental disease

As with people, plaque can build up in your cat’s mouth and lead to tartar. Plaque and tartar build up leads to periodontal disease that can cause oral pain, infection, tooth loss and a variety of other complications. Tartar can also lead to gingivitis, which causes other dental issues.

Your cat’s oral health affects so many other aspects of your cat’s overall health. Dental disease can cause damage to other organs such as the heart, kidney and liver. When this happens cats develop other health problems because of the inflammation and infection associated with dental disease.

A healthier mouth for your cat

The best way to keep your cat’s oral health on track is to have annual checks and cleanings with your veterinarian. You can also keep your cat’s mouth healthier by brushing and caring for your cat’s teeth. To learn more about feline dental health, check out these past blog posts :
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