Gingivitis in cats could be such a painful condition that can be avoided if proper oral hygiene is practiced. Cats with gingivitis have a hard time eating due to their inflamed hyperemic gum. To help your cat live through its nine lives, learn how to identify the early symptoms of gingivitis, its treatment and prevention.
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Content:
- Gingivitis in Cats Symptoms
- How to Prevent Gingivitis in Cats
- How to Treat Gingivitis in Cats
- Conclusion
Gingivitis in Cats Symptoms
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum characterized by symptoms of pain and discomfort. The gum should be thoroughly examined to identify these symptoms, likewise, the eating behavior and general health condition of the cat can also give an inclination as to what’s happening.
Setting up a visual aid like the Petcube Camera in your home can help you strategically observe for symptoms of gingivitis such as:
- Drooling
- Loose tooth
- Swollen/sore gum
- Difficulty in eating/drinking
- Eating with one side of the mouth
- Yowling around food
- Hyperemic gum
- Tartar formation
- Weight loss
- Bad breath
How to Prevent Gingivitis in Cats
Preventing gingivitis in cats starts with understanding what caused it in the first place. Factors like teething, old age, infection, or an inflammatory disease like eosinophilic granuloma complex are major causes of gingivitis in cats.
Diet also plays a crucial role in the oral health of cats as seen in an analysis that revealed that cats fed with wet or a mix of wet and dry food were more predisposed to gingivitis than those fed with only dry food. To prevent gingivitis in cats, the following methods can be used:
Regular Oral Hygiene
Gingivitis is an oral condition caused by many factors that could be prevented with proper oral hygiene such as regular dental cleaning. This remains the most effective way to prevent your cat from having gingivitis. Note that toothpaste containing fluoride such as that of humans could be harmful to your cat, your Veterinarian would recommend the best toothpaste for your cat.
Plaque Removal
Regular plaque removal from the teeth surfaces should be practiced. When not removed, these plaques accumulate and lead to gum infection and subsequently gingivitis. Plaque removal can be done using the cat’s toothbrush or a warm piece of cloth to gently wipe the surface of the teeth.
Teeth Friendly-Diet
A wrong diet predisposes cats to gingivitis, feeding cats with a balanced teeth-friendly diet would keep the teeth healthy and free from gingivitis. Teething in young cats should be managed properly to prevent Conditions such as gingivitis. A study revealed that cats under the age of 2 and above the age of 6 have a high tendency to develop gingivitis with a prevalence of 70% and 80% respectively.
Routine Checkup
Taking your cat to the Veterinarian regularly for a dental examination should be a culture, teeth when left unchecked for a long time could lead to gingivitis. A friend of mine took her cat to the Vet on a regular visit and discovered it had tartar formation and early signs of gingivitis, good thing it was noticed on time and curtailed.
“Brushing is preventive not curative, a full oral exam should be done followed by removal of a damaged tooth, tarters, teeth polishing and a rinse”, - Reddit User
How to Treat Gingivitis in Cats
A physical examination and dental radiographs are used to examine the teeth, their roots and pockets to ascertain the severity of gingivitis. In cases of tooth decay or a shaky tooth, removal through tooth surgery may be recommended by the Veterinarian.
Tooth surgeries could cost a lot but would become less of a burden when you opt into our Emergency Fund package which offers a $3000 coverage in emergency Vet fees and a 27% discount when you subscribe using the exclusive link as a blog reader.
“Gingivitis in cats is treated with the goals of relieving the tooth surfaces/sulci from irritants and removal of plaques to resolve inflammation of the gum”, - Dr. Jan Bellows
Depending on the severity of the condition and the presence of a concurrent infection like periodontal disease, the following would be recommended by the Veterinarian:
Dental cleaning
Plaque and tartar removal
Teeth polishing
Pain killers
Anti-inflammatory medications
A dental-friendly diet
Antibiotics therapy
Conclusion
Cats with good oral hygiene rarely get gingivitis, the health of your cat’s teeth also depends on how healthy the gum is. As a cat owner, normalize giving your cat the right oral hygiene and a teeth-friendly balanced diet. A regular visit to the Vet for teeth examinations, cleaning, polishing, and rinsing will greatly reduce the chances of your cat getting gingivitis.
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