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Why is
dental care so important?
Poor dental
care will cause gingivitis & left
untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.
Infection and inflammation spreads from the gums (gingiva)
to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. Loss of
support causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fall
out.
Unhealthy
teeth & gums have greater impact on the body than just
causing bad breath, pain & infection. As the gums have a
rich blood supply, bacteria is readily transported to other
organs (such as the liver, kidneys etc.) in the body causing
damage & even organ failure.
Signs of
dental problems:
-
Bad
breath
(halitosis)
-
Red or swollen gums, especially along
the gum line
-
Drooling
-
Gums which bleed easily, especially
when touched
-
Receding gumline
-
Difficulty
or reluctance to eat
How to
prevent dental problems:
- Regular
visits to your vet, which will include an oral
examination.
- Daily
care of your cat's teeth at home.
-
Regularly check your cat's mouth for any signs of dental
problems. If you
notice any of the symptoms above, seek veterinary
attention immediately.
How do I
care for my cat's teeth?
There are
several ways to care for your cat's teeth at home.
-
Regularly brushing your cat's teeth.
This will need to be done with a special 'cat' toothbrush
& toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste on animals.
-
You can purchase special diets which
are designed to reduce plaque & tartar formation. One
such food is Hills T/D which can be purchased through your
veterinarian.
-
Feed raw chicken necks or bones. This
is a somewhat controversial topic. In Australia it is
quite commonly recommended as a way to reduce plaque &
tartar formation, however there are risks associated with
feeding raw bones to cats. Speak to your veterinarian for
his/her opinion on feeding raw chicken necks & or bones.
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a
veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great
care has been made in the creation of these articles, we
cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages.
If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
advice. |
