Introduction
As cats age, plaque and tartar build up and can lead to several dental diseases. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it's time to call the vet: brushing of teeth is not effective at removing plaque or tartar bleeding gums swollen gums loose teeth due to bone loss dry mouth (xerostomia) toothaches drooling when eating
Dental disease affects cats of all ages
Dental disease affects cats of all ages. Older cats are more likely to have it, but younger cats fed only dry food may be susceptible to dental problems as well. Dental disease is not a normal part of aging; it's an easily preventable condition that can lead to other health issues if left untreated. A thorough examination should be performed by your veterinarian, who will likely recommend X-rays so she can determine the extent of your cat's dental problem(s). Your vet may also recommend additional testing such as bloodwork and fecal analysis if she suspects another underlying medical condition might be contributing to your pet's pain or discomfort.
Toothache often results from tooth decay and infection rather than parasites in the mouth--so if you notice any kind of swelling around the face (especially around the eyes), this could be an indication that something else might be going on besides just bad breath!
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination and take X-rays of your cat's mouth to determine the extent of dental disease. The doctor will also perform routine blood work to make sure that there are no other issues going on with your pet.
Dental disease is often accompanied by other problems, such as infections, cancer or liver disease. Treatment may include: cleaning teeth; removing diseased tissues; performing root canals; filling cavities; replacing missing teeth with implants (false teeth) or dentures (false gums).
If left untreated, a toothache can cause severe pain for your cat which may lead to behavior changes including aggression towards people and animals around them because they feel discomfort when eating food that requires chewing motions like dry kibble does not have enough moisture content so it sticks together making it difficult for cats who have poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing their own tongues after every mealtime.
Dental disease is often accompanied by illness
Dental disease is often accompanied by illness or other problems that may require treatment. For example, a cat with dental disease may have a problem eating and drinking because of the pain caused by their teeth. This can lead to weight loss and dehydration.
Dental disease can also affect your cat's overall health by causing bad breath, bleeding gums (gingivitis), receding gums (periodontal disease), loose or falling out teeth (extrusive luxation), infections of the heart lining (endocarditis) and kidney failure due to high levels of calcium in the bloodstream called hypercalcemia."
A toothache is usually the result of a dental problem
A toothache is usually the result of a dental problem and not an infection. A cat's health will improve if you can get him to stop biting on the affected tooth, but your vet may still want to sedate him so they can examine his mouth without interference.
A number of things can cause toothaches in cats, including:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Gum disease or abscesses around teeth
- Trauma from chewing on something sharp like tin foil or wire hangers (these are common issues with kittens)
If a cat with an abscessed tooth has been biting on it to relieve pain
If a cat with an abscessed tooth has been biting on it to relieve pain, you'll want to sedate the cat so it can be examined without interference. Cats are very territorial and will bite if they feel threatened. You should take your cat to the vet for sedation before attempting at-home treatment for dental disease. The vet will help you decide which medication is best suited for your cat's needs.
If your pet has persistent vomiting or diarrhea, they may need intravenous fluids (IVs) while they recover from the illness causing these symptoms (such as intestinal worms). Your veterinarian can prescribe an IV solution that contains antibiotics and other medications needed by sick animals in order for them not only to survive but also to get better quickly!
Cats are susceptible to dental diseases
Dental disease is common in cats, and they need regular checkups at the vet. When you bring your cat to the vet for a dental exam, they will perform a complete physical examination and take X-rays of your cat's mouth to determine the extent of dental disease. The vet will extract any broken or missing teeth that are causing discomfort or pain to your pet. If an abscessed tooth cannot be extracted, it may need to be treated with antibiotics until it heals on its own (abscesses can take several weeks).
If your cat has a severe periodontal disease that hasn't been treated yet, it's important for them to have their teeth cleaned by a professional who specializes in this type of procedure called scaling and polishing (also known as scalings). Your veterinarian will also determine if further treatment is needed such as removing tartar with ultrasonic scaling devices or placing periodontal dressings on infected areas inside their mouth
Conclusion
Dental disease is a common problem in cats, and it can be difficult to detect. It's important to take your cat to the vet for regular checkups so that any problems with teeth and gums can be detected early and treated before they become serious. If you think your cat may have dental disease, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible so that treatment can begin immediately!