Symptoms of gum disease in cats may include inflammation of the tooth, bad breath and gum separation. Gum disease in cats is very common, and causes the gums and supporting structures of the mouth to become inflamed and irritated. Gum disease can be life-threatening in some cases, as the blood and bacteria from the gums can travel to other important organs of the body. It is important for pet owners to consult a veterinarian as soon as they notice any symptoms of gum disease in their cats.
Gum Disease in Felines
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when bacteria multiplies in your pet's mouth and teeth and forms a buildup of tartar. Plaque is a filmy matter that forms on the teeth that is made of bacteria and other undesirable matter, and when the teeth are not cleaned or taken care of, plaque can turn into more serious issues. After a certain period of time, plaque, food, saliva and minerals will build up on the teeth and harden. When they harden, they form tartar, which is usually seen near the gum line of the mouth. Tartar can cause extreme irritation and inflammation to the gums and mouth, and can begin to form under the gums when left untreated. The bacteria in plaque and tartar will release toxins in the mouth, causing severe inflammation and discomfort.
Once the gums have become diseased, the teeth will begin to separate from the gums and your pet will be in a considerable amount of pain. Gum disease in cats should be treated promptly because not only is the condition bad for the mouth and uncomfortable for your pet, but it can also be deadly if the disease travels to other areas of the body.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease in Cats
Many cats do not show when they are in pain or discomfort, which can make the process of diagnosing gum disease even harder. It is recommended that pet owners take their cats in for regular veterinary checkups to ensure good health. Common symptoms of gum disease in cats can include the following:
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Bleeding gums
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Hard yellow deposits on the teeth or gums
- Avoiding hard food
- Pawing or touching face
- Swollen, red gums
- Pus in teeth or gums
- Missing teeth
- Loose teeth
- Gums that have separated from the teeth
Diagnosing Gum Disease in Cats
Once you notice any of the symptoms of gum disease in your pet, a visit to the veterinarian will be needed as soon as possible. A veterinarian will visually examine your pet's mouth, teeth and gums for signs of inflammation, tartar, swelling, redness and other symptoms of gum disease. Your veterinarian will also measure the crevice depths of the teeth. An x-ray of the mouth may be performed to decide the severity of the condition.
If your pet is diagnosed with gum disease, treatment will be needed promptly to stop the disease from getting worse. Treatments for gum disease will depend on the severity of the condition, but the most common ways the disease is treated include the following:
- Extensive cleaning of the teeth and gum line
- Cleaning below the gum line
- Surgery
- Tooth extraction