Various dental diseases in cats have a negative impact on their overall health, becoming the primary sources of the development of other diseases and complications. Therefore, if your pet shows signs of dental problems, do not put off visiting a doctor. When a cat has a bad tooth, she stops playing, eating and sleeping normally. Soon other problems appear, which are then much more difficult to deal with.
Predisposing factors
Especially often those animals whose teeth are naturally crooked or otherwise deformed experience all the “delights” of dental pathologies (it’s not for nothing that people with the same pathologies are given braces). This happens because crooked and crooked teeth simply cannot be cleaned naturally when eating roughage.
There are other reasons, sometimes leading to extremely unpleasant results:
- Breed predisposition. Almost 90% of brachycephalic breeds (especially Persian cats) have pronounced problems with tooth growth. Their jaw bones are too small and simply cannot accommodate all their teeth, which leads to “overcrowding” and terrible curvature of the teeth.
- Pathological preservation of baby teeth. Cats sometimes have a rather specific problem - baby teeth stubbornly “refuse” to fall out, even when their physiological replacement begins. This leads to dire consequences. In the mildest cases, baby teeth are pushed out by permanent teeth and fall out. But as a result, the cat develops problems with crooked fangs. In the worst situations, teeth of both types literally split, simultaneously tearing the underlying tissues. This may well lead to abnormalities in the development of jaw bone tissue, abscesses and other troubles.
- Trauma or congenital abnormalities. Sometimes a cat's jaw may have an abnormal shape, which occurs either as a result of congenital pathologies, or as a result of injuries received by the kitten during childbirth, or as a result of fractures in adulthood. All these factors cause curvature of the bones of the jaw apparatus, teeth grow incorrectly, sometimes moving apart, like boards in an old fence.
When buying a kitten, be sure to look at its parents - if in at least one you notice any signs of “problems” in the structure of the jaws, improperly growing teeth, etc., then you should not make such a purchase.
It is quite possible that this pathology is not acquired, but hereditary, and it will also manifest itself in your potential pet in the future. And further. When kittens with congenital curvatures of the jaw appear (except in cases of birth trauma), they must be raised until they reach adolescence, and then castrated/sterilized. This is done to prevent the breed from being “contaminated” with defective genes. Unfortunately, not all domestic (and not only) breeders do this.
What do cat teeth and gums normally look like?
Like most mammals, cats have 2 sets of teeth - milk and permanent. Kittens are born toothless, but after a few days they begin to cut their first milk teeth.
The change from a temporary set to a permanent one begins 6–8 weeks after birth. This is a gradual process, so for most owners it goes unnoticed, given the small size of the teeth. By 8 months, all baby teeth should be replaced by molars. Since cat saliva contains the enzyme lysozyme, which has an antibacterial effect, the change occurs painlessly.
An adult cat normally has 30 teeth: 16 in the upper jaw and 14 in the lower jaw. There is a congenital feature - oligodontia, which is inherited, in which the dental set is incomplete.
The structure of the teeth is determined by the diet of cats. Cats are predatory animals; they use their teeth to hold prey and tear meat. Description of the dental kit:
- Incisors. Small teeth that are located in the front of both jaws, 6 pieces on each. Unlike herbivores and omnivores, the cat does not bite off food with them; they serve to hold pieces of food.
- Fangs. The longest and sharpest teeth, 2 fangs on both sides on each jaw. They have the deepest root canals. Designed to kill prey - with them the cat bites through the area near the victim's spine, damaging the spinal cord, and with them it tears off pieces of food.
- Premolars. The 6 upper and 4 lower molars are designed for grinding dense foods, such as meat.
- Molars. 4 molars on both jaws. Also used for chewing food.
Additional reasons
Finally, dental problems are often caused by infectious diseases that, at first glance, have nothing to do with teeth. Particularly dangerous pathogens include the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), as well as the virus that causes feline leukemia (FeLV). Calicivirus is also dangerous for your cat's teeth . All these diseases lead to a serious “drawdown” of the immune system, as a result of which the pet’s body cannot normally resist bacteria. This in turn activates pathogenic microorganisms in the animal’s oral cavity. As a result, there is a significantly increased risk of developing caries and similar diseases.
And finally – again about diet. More precisely, about feeding kittens. In practice, it has been proven that kittens who, at the age of six months to a year, did not receive a complete and balanced diet (in terms of nutrients and microelements) are 60% more likely to develop diseases of the oral cavity and teeth. In general, just like with people, if a person suffered from the condition of baby teeth, then by the age of 40 he obviously won’t have a single intact tooth left. So you should take care of your pet’s health, starting from a very young age. Otherwise, you risk spending a lot of time and nerves constantly making visits to the veterinarian.
From kitten to adult cat: features of the dental system
At birth, kittens do not have teeth, and they do not appear while they are feeding on their mother's milk. Teething usually occurs by 4 weeks of age. Kittens have 26 non-permanent teeth. In the fourth month of life, baby teeth gradually fall out and are replaced by molars. Usually, no action is required from the owner, only monitoring the process. If the initial teeth have not fallen out on their own, but the molars have already begun to grow, then the milk teeth will need to be removed. Decreased immunity during teething becomes a limiting factor for vaccinations.
An adult has 30 teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines and 14 premolars. By eight to nine months, the process of changing teeth is usually completed. If after a year not all teeth are in the mouth, then this is for life. Oligodontia, that is, congenital lack of teeth, is a disease that is a hereditary disorder; it is recommended to remove such a pet from further breeding. The absence of teeth causes some discomfort when eating food, which ultimately causes disruption of the digestive system.
Diet as a predisposing factor
Just like in humans, diet is the most important factor. It can provide both ideal dental condition and complete absence of teeth. The consistency of the food consumed daily by the animal is of great importance: in 100% of cats whose loving owners do not skimp on buying canned food, you will see tartar and smelly plaque completely covering the fangs. The problem is that these foods, although ideal from the point of view of balance and taste, do not have a cleaning effect.
In addition, soft foods have an unpleasant habit of getting stuck in the spaces between the teeth and gums, where they quickly begin to rot. Dry food, which has a lot of disadvantages, copes much better with mechanical cleaning of the oral cavity. True, you should still not overdo it with them, since such food (especially in old and castrated animals) often leads to the development of urolithiasis.
Let us immediately note that today there are many foods on the market that are specifically designed to maintain the ideal condition of the oral cavity of pets. If you have the funds to buy them, then this is probably a very good option. The principle of their operation is simple. Firstly, the special shape of the pieces, which does not overstrain the pet’s jaw apparatus, but at the same time makes it work normally. Secondly, such feeds contain soft abrasives of natural origin. They work just like your toothpaste. This is an excellent prevention of dental and periodontal diseases.
Science Plan™ Feline Adult Oral Care Chicken
The jaw apparatus of an animal suffering from dental diseases is poorly adapted for processing solid food. If the owner does not attach special importance to this circumstance, his pet will most likely be left without a tooth (most likely without several teeth). To avoid worrying about the quality of your diet, use Science Plan™ Feline Adult Oral Care Chicken, specially created for cats suffering from tartar and other dental pathologies.
When developing nutrition, experts took into account that such animals need an increased amount of calcium. Veterinarians believe that up to 90% of serious dental problems are caused by a lack of this particular element! Physiological processes require a lot of minerals and trace elements, the lack of which causes the animal’s teeth to grow defective, and rickets and periodontal disease are also possible.
The consistency of the food we describe is such that animals do not put much effort into chewing, but at the same time, food fibers actively clean the cat’s oral cavity, preventing the formation of mineral and bacterial plaque. It contains a complete set of vitamins, amino acids and minerals designed to stimulate your pet's immune system.
Treatment methods for pharyngitis
Treatment must be comprehensive. The patient is prescribed medications that will relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is also important to adhere to a special diet and exclude from the diet foods that irritate the mucous membrane of the throat and bring even more discomfort: alcoholic beverages, spicy and salty foods, sour foods, carbonated drinks.
Drug therapy
Depending on the clinical picture and general condition of the patient, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines, antitussives and antiviral medications. Lozenges/lozenges are used to relieve pain.
In some cases, they resort to the use of antibiotics. They can only be taken as directed by a doctor.
Local impact
Rinsing with special solutions also has a good effect on the inflammatory process and redness of the larynx. They have a gentle effect, relieve pain and improve the general condition of the patient.
To diagnose and identify the disease, you need to consult an otolaryngologist. At the city clinic, you can contact your primary care physician, who will issue a referral to an ENT specialist. However, this takes time. You often have to wait 2 weeks for an appointment with a doctor. In some cases, this is simply impossible, since it is necessary to quickly conduct an examination and prescribe treatment before the situation becomes critical.
Therefore, we recommend contacting the Medunion medical clinic. We employ practicing otolaryngologists, and you don’t have to wait several weeks for appointments. Sign up today for a time convenient for you, and get tested tomorrow.
Patients choose us because we provide the service of a specialist coming to your home if you cannot come to the clinic on your own. You can also take samples directly at home.
The cost of an initial consultation with an otolaryngologist in Krasnoyarsk at the Medunion clinic starts from 1,300 rubles. You can sign up on the website or by calling 201-03-03.
Bacterial plaque and tartar
Before considering pathology, let's say that ideally all cats should be examined for dental diseases at least once a year. If the cat has already had dental problems, the condition of its oral cavity needs to be monitored at least once a quarter. Typically, the earlier the problem is identified, the easier and faster it is to treat. It is better not to rely on your powers of observation: in cats, symptoms of dental diseases do not appear at all until almost all the teeth are affected.
So, the raid. It is a complex “alloy” of bacteria, colonies of which quickly grow and develop on the surface of the teeth. At first, the plaque layer is practically invisible. But if you spray your cat’s teeth with special sprays, the situation is different. But over time, if the owner does not bother to take care of the condition of his pet’s oral cavity, the layer of plaque becomes thicker and more clearly visible. In addition, the cat's mouth begins to smell bad.
Plaque is an extremely unpleasant thing, since microorganisms in the process of their life produce a lot of compounds that literally corrode the enamel. If you feed your pet exclusively canned food, do not forget about prevention. To do this, take the softest toothbrush, a pinch of baking soda and warm water. Soda is diluted so that a soft paste is formed, which is used to clean the cat’s teeth. This should be done at least twice a month.
How is tartar formed?
The “logical continuation” of dental plaque is tartar. If the plaque is left alone, it gradually becomes saturated with mineral deposits and crystallizes, turning into something like a granite embankment. At the same time, the teeth take on the appearance of the same embankment: they become brown-green, the surface is rough to the touch. An eerie odor emanates from the pet's mouth.
In milder cases, the stone is similar to ordinary plaque, differing only in a more impressive amount and harder consistency. On the contrary, in particularly advanced situations, a cat’s teeth may look as if they had long ago become moldy and rusty at the same time. To be fair, it must be said that in such cases, most likely, the cat will no longer have at least half of its teeth, since they have long since rotted.
But even in mild cases, simple cleaning will most likely not be enough to get rid of it. Well, if only you have the patience and courage to thoroughly brush your pet’s teeth with the same soda twice a day for a couple of weeks. In other situations, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. Firstly, thorough cleaning of tartar in cats is only possible under anesthesia. Secondly, rotten teeth are probably hidden under a thick layer of mineral plaque : we practically don’t give fillings to cats (we simply don’t have such equipment), and therefore they must be removed immediately.
Factors affecting dental health
The health of the dental system of cats, like any other mammal, directly depends on several factors. These include past or developing infectious diseases, nutrition, and genetic characteristics in certain breeds.
Anomalies in the development of teeth and bite
If for some reason the jaw and dentition are not formed correctly, the pathology has a detrimental effect on dental health. The following dental disorders are more often diagnosed in cats:
- Oligodontia. Missing number of teeth.
- Polyodonia. Multi-toothed.
- Retention. The tooth is not located in the jaw row.
- Convergence. The roots are very close.
- Divergence. The crowns are pathologically divergent.
- Progeny. The upper jaw is shortened.
- Progantia. The lower jaw is shorter.
- Mouth distortion. One of the jaw sides is located asymmetrically.
- Odontoclastic resorptive lesion. Loss of tooth tissue.
Dentolites
If the layer is not removed in a timely manner, it gradually hardens and becomes an ideal substrate for the proliferation of bacteria inhabiting the mouth. Upon examination, a yellow or brownish mass is found that constantly grows, spreads under the gum (gum), and completely covers the tooth.
The following factors are considered predisposing to the formation of dentoliths:
- handouts from the table or eating exclusively soft food;
- unbalanced diet;
- hereditary anomalies.
The cat loses the ability to chew food. The mouth smells unpleasant, the gums bleed, and gingivitis develops. Treatment at the initial stage consists of using absorbable gels. In advanced situations, tartar is removed by a veterinary dentist using ultrasound.
Prevention of the disease consists of eating food that prevents the formation of deposits and the formation of dentolits. Dental bones are effective; by gnawing them, the cat plays while cleaning off plaque. For the same purpose, they use a delicacy - dried ox veins.
Royal Canin food prevents the formation of stones
Diet
A diet consisting exclusively of soft canned food does not have a cleansing effect on tooth enamel.
Eating certain foods and following a diet plays an exceptional role in preventing the occurrence of dental diseases in domestic cats. It is important to remember that a diet consisting exclusively of soft canned food does not have a cleansing effect on tooth enamel and can contribute to the rapid formation of plaque. Moreover, this eating pattern encourages food particles to accumulate in the spaces between food pieces on or between teeth, allowing bacteria to spread and plaque to form quickly.
Dry food, on the contrary, due to the need for thorough chewing, has good cleansing properties. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the composition of such canned food, which should include all the necessary minerals, vitamins and nutrients.
Caries
A very well-known pathology involving putrefactive damage to the outer tissues of the tooth. It is a common consequence of both bacterial plaque and tartar. Initially, enamel is perhaps the most durable tissue in the cat’s body, but under the action of enzymes secreted in abundance by microorganisms, it gradually dissolves. Then the same enzymes begin to act on the outer tissues of the tooth, as a result of which the latter degrade, pathogenic, putrefactive microflora settles there, and the fang rots. The main symptom of this disease is the appearance of dark areas on the tooth. Since cats are rarely delighted with a dental examination, this should only be done when the animal is under anesthesia.
Alas, in cats, as a rule, caries is detected only in the final stages, when it is almost impossible to do anything to save the tooth. So the affected tissue is removed... along with the tooth itself. Only in rare cases, when the process was diagnosed at the initial stage, is it possible to grind off the affected areas and cover these areas with a protective composition. Moreover, the latter must be done without fail. The layer of enamel on cat teeth is very thin (compared to human teeth), since these animals do not need to chew their food particularly hard. So, with the slightest damage, their teeth rot and break down at an alarming rate.
Pulpitis
Again, it often develops as a result of advanced caries . This is the name for inflammation of the pulp, that is, the internal tissues of the tooth. It is often purulent. It is accompanied by terrible pain, from which cats literally cannot find a place for themselves, do not sleep, do not eat, rush around the room in circles, meow hoarsely and protractedly. When you try to touch a sore tooth, they hiss, break out, and can seriously bite or scratch a person.
This disease has to be treated radically and without alternative - the affected tooth is immediately removed . If it comes to pulpitis, then it is clearly impossible to save it. In addition, the cat may simply not be able to withstand severe pain - stress and exhaustion have a very bad effect on the body.
Tooth resorption
Tooth resorption is a common problem in cats, occurring with equal frequency in young and old animals. It has been estimated that more than 70% of cats under the age of five have at least one resorption site on their teeth. By the way, what kind of dental diseases do cats have?
This is the name for tooth erosion that usually forms around the gum line (neck of the tooth), but in some cats it can be found below the gum line. The cause of this phenomenon (and it also occurs in people, by the way) is unknown, but there is accurate information about a genetic, hereditary predisposition.
Unfortunately, during an external examination, it can be difficult even for an experienced veterinarian to determine the presence of this pathology (the cat will probably not sit still during this procedure). Sometimes you can notice something like “chewing gum” peeking out from the space between the gum and the neck of the tooth. In fact, this is not a gum at all, but overgrown gum tissue, which reacts in such a “cunning” way to inflammation in the tooth. This happens especially noticeably in older cats. However, resorption in their case is the least of the problems, since oncological pathologies of the oral cavity can manifest themselves with similar signs.
Diagnosis of the disease is carried out either under general anesthesia, or subject to high-quality fixation of the pet. The fact is that touching a tooth that is being undermined by resorption can be extremely painful. The cat will hiss, bend, and meow hoarsely. If nothing is done, then gradually resorption will cause the development of deep caries (or even pulpitis); sometimes the affected teeth simply break off at the very neck.
Unfortunately, simply drilling out the affected tissue (if there is such a possibility and equipment) and then installing a filling is possible, but it is practically useless. The problem is that resorption will most likely progress. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the affected teeth immediately, without waiting for more serious consequences to develop.
Diagnosis of gingivitis in cats
So, as we agreed earlier, gingivitis in a cat is an ailment that can be recognized even by an owner who is inexperienced in matters of dentistry. So, it’s not necessary to visit a doctor for diagnosis? No! You still need to show your pet to a specialist who will not only accurately distinguish gingivitis from another pathology (for example, from periodontitis, since the symptoms of these two diseases are similar), but also find out the cause of the development of the disease.
Diagnosis requires an examination of the oral cavity, a biopsy of the affected tissue (if plasmacytic-lymphocytic gingivitis is suspected), if necessary, blood and sometimes urine tests, ultrasound of the peritoneal organs, and dental x-rays may also be needed.
Traumatic injuries
If a cat falls from a balcony, gets hit by a bicycle, or something similar happens to it, not only internal organs and bones, but also teeth may be damaged. In such a situation, a competent examination is necessary in order to immediately resolve the issue of the need for resection of damaged canines. Typically, teeth that have cracks whose canals extend into the dentin and pulp (implying an impact on the nerve and blood supply) are removed. Their treatment is practically useless, since the risk of developing pulpitis and abscesses is very high. If only the tip of the tooth is broken, it can be lightly polished and filled (again, if possible). In cases where this is impossible, it should also be removed without waiting for far-reaching consequences.
Frankly, the enamel on cats' teeth is so thin that in 90% of cases, all damaged teeth need to be removed immediately.
This should be done under general anesthesia or good local anesthesia, as otherwise a painful shock may occur.
A tooth fracture can be seen by fairly typical signs: the cat is constantly drooling (hypersalivation), the animal tries to chew only on one side of the mouth, or even swallows food without even trying to chew it. If a piece of food lands on a sore tooth, the cat may “fall out of reality” for a couple of minutes, sitting with its mouth wide open, breathing heavily and hoarsely.
Causes and consequences of gingivitis
The pathogenic agents that cause the disease are plaque bacteria. Food debris stuck between teeth rots and promotes infection. If plaque is not removed, it gradually forms into stone and causes pathologies. Autoimmune gingivitis develops due to an incorrect response of the body to various agents.
The cause may also be gum injury. The damage is caused by sharp bone fragments stuck between the cat's teeth. Infection easily penetrates into scratches from bones, and the inflammatory process begins.
Among the possible causes of juvenile gingivitis in young animals, veterinarians note a deficiency of vitamins in the kitten’s diet, dental caries, and improper bite formation. If the teeth put pressure on the gums, ulcers will soon form on them. They are a gateway for infection.
Additional risk factors are the aging of the animal, the presence of blood diseases, autoimmune pathologies, infectious diseases (calcivirus, herpes). Metabolic disorders as a result of poor quality food and water can provoke the development of pathology.
Chronic gingivitis has a negative impact on the entire body of the animal. An unpleasant odor appears from the oral cavity. The blood supply and nutrition of the gums are disrupted. The support for the tooth is lost, causing it to be lost. During the pathological process, the animal experiences pain and discomfort.
Important! The main complication of gingivitis is ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane. Dealing with him is quite difficult. Ulcers can appear not only on the oral mucosa, but also affect the entire larynx and pharynx.
Advanced forms are fraught with digestive disorders, since the sick pet cannot eat properly. A festering wound in the palate causes pain, the cat refuses any food, even its favorite one. Even if the owner manages to feed his pet pureed puree, it will still not be enough for a complete cat diet.
A little about treatment
We emphasize once again that all dental procedures in cats should be carried out exclusively under general or high-quality local anesthesia. It is quite possible that otherwise the cat will seriously suffer from severe painful shock or injure itself trying to free itself from the fixing devices.
You also need to understand that veterinary dentistry (in our country, at least) is rather poorly developed, and therefore more often it is necessary not to treat the tooth, but to remove it immediately. However, cat owners in more “advanced” countries in terms of veterinary medicine share the same opinion, since the cost of dental treatment for animals is very high.
Cats with dental diseases quite often develop complications in the form of abscesses and septic phenomena , and therefore blood tests are required. In addition, painkillers are prescribed and medications are administered intravenously to relieve intoxication. If the equipment and resources of the owner allow, the installation of prostheses is occasionally practiced.
It is better to prevent dental diseases in cats right away - with good nutrition, regular cleaning, etc., since their consequences are painful both for the breeder’s pocket and for the health of the animal.
Crowns
A crown is a structure that restores or replaces the crown part of a tooth. Regardless of the material from which the structure is made, the crown covers the tooth completely (front teeth on two sides, chewing teeth on four, including the chewing surface). The main purpose of installing a crown is to treat the tooth and restore its chewing function. Using a crown, teeth that are more than 55% damaged can be restored. At the same time, the crown complements the aesthetics of the appearance. Before installing the restoration material, the tooth is ground down.
Thus, the main differences between veneers and crowns are the installation method and the main functions.
