What is Cat Oral Health Care?
Does your cat have bad breath that never seems to go away? You’re not alone. Data from International Cat Care indicates that 85% of cats have some form of oral health issue and dental disease that is causing their bad breath. Oral diseases like periodontal disease or halitosis (a bad odor coming from the mouth) are not only unpleasant for owners, but they can also cause your cat serious pain and further health issues if not properly addressed.
Keeping your cat’s mouth clean and healthy can be a simple and quick process if you keep on top of routine and preventative care. However, if bad oral hygiene and bad breath progress without intervention, it will likely require multiple vet visits and expensive vet bills.
Signs of Bad Oral Health and Bad Breath in Cats
Bad oral health is relatively easy to identify, particularly if your cat does have bad breath. If your cat has inflamed and bleeding gums, visible build-up of tartar or plaque, visible left-over food particles, loose teeth, or receding gums, it is likely they’re suffering from bad oral health and need to see a vet.
What Causes Bad Oral Health and Bad Breath in Cats?
There can be both systemic and oral issues that cause bad dental health in cats. Oral issues such as periodontal disease or halitosis will occur if the teeth aren’t kept free of plaque and bacteria in the mouth can begin to flourish. Periodontal disease can also be triggered by trauma to the mouth through injury; this may result in loose teeth that allow bad bacteria to enter under the gumline.
In some cases, bad oral health can be attributed to more serious medical conditions like kidney issues or lymphocytic plasmacytic stomatitis. Lymphocytic plasmacytic stomatitis commonly occurs in cats with feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, and calicivirus. Bad oral health, in this case, would be accompanied by upper respiratory issues and ulcerations on the tongue.
Treatment Options for Cats Oral Health
The best treatment option for bad oral health in your cat will ultimately depend on the cause. Generally, most owners with cats that don’t have underlying health issues can maintain good oral hygiene through regular cleaning with their vet. In addition to regular dental cleanings with your cat’s vet, you should brush your cat’s teeth once a day using specially formulated cat toothpaste that your vet can provide.
If your cat is suffering from a serious health condition that is causing their poor oral health, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. While treating the cause will likely resolve your cat’s dental issues, your vet can also provide you with solutions to help you manage their dental health in the interim period.
Maintaining a healthy oral care routine can add years to your cat’s life, so come and visit Dr. Bogatsky, Dr. Armor, Dr. Jones, and The Animal Doctors team for a dental care consultation if your cat is suffering from bad oral hygiene.
The Animal Doctors services the entire San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
