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DKidney disease in cats is more common and more impactful than you might think. Studies estimate that about 70 percent of cats over the age of three show signs of dental disease, which can range from mild gingivitis to severe periodontal disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to chronic pain, tooth loss, and health problems affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.
The most common types of feline dental disease include gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), periodontitis (inflammation that affects the deeper structures around the tooth), and tooth extraction, a painful condition where the tooth structure begins to break down. These conditions are often caused by the buildup of enamel and tartar due to poor oral hygiene.
Does Your Cat Have Dental Disease? What you can watch
Symptoms of dental disease in cats can be subtle, as cats can hide pain and discomfort. Here’s what to look for.
Common Symptoms of Dental Disease in Cats
- Bad wind
- Red or swollen gums
- Dripping
- Difficulty eating, perhaps choosing one side of the mouth or choosing only soft foods
- Playing with his mouth
- Changes in appetite
- A noticeable decrease in grooming behavior
- Anger
- Visible tartar or calculus on the teeth
How to Prevent Dental Disease in Cats
Brushing your cat’s teeth is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental disease. Start small and early. Specially formulated dental treatments and dental water supplements have also been shown to reduce plaque and tartar.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Cat Has Dental Disease
If you suspect your cat has dental disease, an oral examination by your vet is necessary—a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia may be recommended. Remember, dental disease not only causes pain and discomfort but affects your cat’s overall health!
How to Help Cats with Dental Diseases: Today’s Cats Product Selection
A Brush-Free Solution to Bad Breath
Call the smelly cat breath a Pet Dental Water Additive from Oxyfresh. Simply add this brush-free solution for bad breath, tartar, irritated gums, and clean teeth to your cat’s drinking water. Tasteless and odorless, it reduces sulfur compounds that cause bad breath and destroys bacteria that cause plaque and tartar build-up, helping to prevent periodontal disease. ($18, oxyfresh.com)
Just a Cat Toothbrush
Ryercat toothbrush specially designed for cat anatomy, do the awesome job don’t stress! The small two-sided heads the size of a cat’s mouth mean that brushing is safe, easy, and gentle. ($20, ryercat.com)
Soothing Mouth Gel
Oratene Enzymatic Brushless Oral Gel provides great care for swollen gums and oral conditions such as periodontal disease, due to strong enzymes. The patented, antibacterial formula is non-greasy—simply spread on your cat’s gums, no brushing required—to soothe and maintain gum health. ($13, zymox.com)
Teeth Cleaning Cat Toy
Canophera’s CocoBall woven cat toy is made from 100% all-natural coconut husk fibers A fun playtime cleaning the cat’s teeth at the same time! ($7, canophera.com)