Tooth loss – Periodontitis
Periodontitis, or tooth loss, affects some cats. It happens when bacteria cling to the teeth, forming soft coatings by breaking down food debris. These coatings, called plaque, combine with your cat's saliva, calcify, and harden into tartar.
If tartar isn't removed, it can cause inflammation of the gums, bones, and potentially the jawbone, leading to tooth loss. Want to know more about tartar and periodontitis in cats – what it is, how it happens, its symptoms, and treatment? Keep reading!
How does periodontitis develop?Bacteria are the initial cause of periodontitis and tooth loss in cats. When a cat's teeth are dirty or have leftover food debris, bacteria can thrive and create thin, soft coatings. This is plaque, which turns into tartar when it reacts with the cat's saliva and hardens. The bacteria in the tartar can then attack the nearby gums, leading to gingivitis. This inflammation can spread to other teeth. If it becomes severe enough, it can affect the tooth bone, causing it to break down. As the cat's teeth, gums, and bones become increasingly infected and inflamed by bacteria, the risk of teeth becoming loose increases.
Symptoms of tooth loss?But how can you tell if your cat has tartar and might be at risk of tooth loss? Since owners don't often examine their cat's mouth and teeth without a specific reason, it can be tricky to spot the problem early. However, checking for tartar when you do look inside is quite straightforward.
Bad breathA tell-tale sign of tartar and potential tooth loss, noticeable even without looking in the mouth, is bad breath. As a cat owner, you'll likely notice this quite quickly.
Difficulty eatingOther signs include difficulty eating, especially dry food. It's rare for this to lead to reduced food intake or a complete loss of appetite; if that happens, it's usually due to another issue. If your cat has already developed tooth loss, they might struggle to chew hard food.
How is periodontitis treated?Suspect your cat has periodontitis? Professional treatment is needed to address the problem. You shouldn't try to scrape tartar off yourself if the issue is already present. Instead, a visit to the vet is essential for a thorough examination and dental cleaning. Because most bacteria and tartar, along with inflammation, are found below the gum line, a deep clean is required to resolve the issue. Your cat will need to be sedated for the vet to carry out the examination. Hopefully, few teeth will need extraction, but the procedure and extent of treatment will vary depending on the severity of the disease. Essentially, your main course of action is to take your cat to the vet for an examination.
Can I prevent tooth loss?You can help prevent and counteract tartar buildup and tooth loss by brushing your cat's teeth regularly. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for animals. It's also a good idea to occasionally check your cat's mouth, teeth, and gums for any signs of tartar or periodontitis and tooth loss.toothbrush and toothpaste for animals. It is also a good idea to occasionally examine your cat's mouth, teeth and gums to see if there are any signs of tartar or periodontitis, tooth loss.
