Gum Disease In Cat: How to Treat My Cat’s Gum Disease?

Gum Disease In Cat: How to Treat My Cat’s Gum Disease – Gum disease is a common ailment among adult cats, however its widespread occurrence does not make it any more bearable for your pet. Left untreated, cat gum disease could cause significant discomfort and health complications that erode your pet’s quality of life.

Given the prevalence of periodontal disease in cats, several at-home and vet-supplied treatment options are available to combat and manage the condition. Read on to find out about gingivitis in cats, how to spot the signs of this disease, and what your treatment options could be.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease in Cats

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums around the teeth, which is able to lead to receding gums and other dental issues. Cat gingivitis may be caused by a number of different factors, including misalignment of the teeth, viral infections, improper or lacking dental care, or a genetic predisposition for periodontal disease.

Pet owners can identify gingivitis through one or more of the following symptoms:

• • Red and/or swollen gums

• • Excessive drooling

• • Bad breath—particularly breath that has worsened over time

• • A loss of appetite

• • Difficulty eating

• • Weight reduction

• • Behavioral changes, such as increased irritability

In most instances, a cat’s swollen gums are the clearest sign of gingivitis, and one of the first symptoms. Red gums in cats reflect inflammation and an increased risk of bleeding due to irritation of the gum tissue. More significant symptoms like eating struggles and behavioral changes might indicate an advanced case of gingivitis. Regardless of severity, the signs of possible periodontal disease shouldn’t be ignored.

Cat Gingivitis Treatment

Your local vet will prescribe treatment based on the severity of the gingivitis. Milder instances might be managed with simple treatment and care strategies, whereas more intensive treatment plans might be required to address receding gums, destabilized teeth, and tooth infections that might require extraction.

The first line of care is often elimination plaque that has constructed up on or around the gums. Plaque irritates and inflames the gums and can lead to permanent recession. In young cats, regular dental cleanings may be an efficient tool for managing or preventing gingivitis from developing. If gingivitis has progressed, a thorough cleansing is a vital step in getting dental health underneath control and mitigating the risk of gingivitis going forward.

Oral rinses are one other treatment option to keep gingivitis underneath control. Your vet might also encourage the usage of coconut oil for cat gingivitis, which contains compounds that offer antimicrobial and anti inflammatory benefits to periodontal disease.

If gingivitis is advanced, your vet might suggest antibiotics or other prescription medications to manage the disease and/or the complications from it, such as infections in the gums or teeth. In some instances, destabilization of your cat’s teeth can lead to infections and other dental issues that may force you to consider a tooth extraction.

When to Consider Cat Gum Disease Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are often thought to be a last resort however sometimes become necessary in instances where gum disease results in receded gums and the complications that come with them. Receded gums can reduce the structural integrity of your cat’s teeth, inflicting sure teeth to become loose in the socket.

When this occurs, the effects on the tooth usually cannot be reversed. A loose tooth is very likely to develop an infection or create difficulties when eating, which is why your veterinarian might suggest extracting the tooth to save your cat from these complications.

In instances of infection, teeth need to be removed to prevent the infection’s spread to other parts of the mouth, which is able to become life-threatening for your cat.

Tips for Preventing Cat Gum Disease

Whereas most cats will develop gum disease at some point in their lives, attentive care by owners can delay its onset, and/or result in a milder case. They comprise:

Even with preventative measures, it is possible your cat will develop periodontal disease. Whereas it may pose sure health risks, it is also possible for your cat to live a long, fulfilling life if the disease is effectively managed and treated.

Worried about possible gingivitis in your cat? The earlier you act, the better. Contact your local vet today to have your cat’s dental health evaluated and create a treatment and care plan that preserves their future dental health.