Dental Care
Like humans, dental care is an important aspect of an animal’s life. Daily brushing of teeth and yearly dentals or checkups can be very beneficial for your pet. It can not only prevent diseases but also keep your pet happy and healthy for a better future. Cats use their mouths for all sorts of things like defence, eating, playing and even hunting. This means your pet is exposed to all sorts of materials and bacteria that can over time develop dental disease.
What is involved in a dental cleaning?
Dental cleanings are performed by a veterinary technician, while the patient is under full anesthetic. This is to ensure the safety of the patient, staff and to allow the technician to complete an oral health assessment. All patients are provided with full anesthetic monitoring and the proper pain management. All teeth all scaled to remove any tartar or plaque buildup and are then checked for any root exposures or loose teeth that may need to be removed. The teeth are then polished to give them a better look and shine. If an extraction of a broken or painful tooth is required, this would be performed by a veterinarian.
What are the signs of dental problems in cats?
Cats can be exposed to dental disease as little as three-years-old. Even though cats can’t express how they are feeling in their own words they can express it the way they act. Most often, cats will hide when expressing that they are in pain. Other signs may include:
- Sensitivity around the mouth
- Difficulty eating or lack of appetite which can lead to weight loss
- Bad breath
- Pawing at their face
- Lack of playfulness or activity
- Missing teeth or noticing that some are loose
Are some feline breeds more susceptible than others?
Yes, short-faced breeds such as Persians, are more susceptible because their jaws are not as developed meaning that sometimes the teeth may become overcrowded within the mouth and can lead to misaligning of teeth.
What is feline tooth resorption?
Tooth resorption can play a big role in your cat’s dental health because it can be very painful if not treated properly. The only treatment for tooth resorption is to extract the tooth as there is no known cause or reason why it happens. Tooth resorption is the breakdown of the tooth enamel that can be seen usually where the tooth meets the gum line. In some cases, it may look like a hole is forming into the tooth. Unfortunately, many cats may be exposed to tooth resorption at least once in their lifetime but with daily brushing and oral checkups, this can help your cat have a happier and healthier future.
