Mary Allen
We humans brush our teeth several times a day. Cats, however, depend on the help of their owners. If dental care is left out, it can end badly – in the worst case with the loss of teeth.
At first, it seems absurd: the cats should be brushed their teeth. But the motive is serious. Because plaque builds up on the teeth. It usually also contains bacteria. These nests on the tooth spread and attack the gums. There they cause infection and inflammation. It’s no different with us humans – that’s why we brush our teeth several times a day.
Infections are often not enough. Plaque can also trigger diseases such as chronic gingivitis. Gums and tissue, in particular, are attacked. “A very aggressive and painful disease,” says veterinarian Philippe Roux, who specializes in dentistry in Lausanne. If the disease is already well advanced and has, for example, attacked the roots, there is often no choice but to pull out the affected teeth – even if it should be all of them.
Better None Than Bad Teeth: The Cat Gets Along Well Without Them
No blood flows on the tooth surface. Therefore, the immune system has no effect here. Bacteria can nest unchecked and wreak havoc if nothing is done about them. However, if the teeth are missing, the bacteria settle in the mouth and are later fought by the body’s own defense system. This means that even if the cat is toothless, it is better off than with destroyed teeth. “That wouldn’t work in nature,” says Roux. “But the cat is doing well with today’s food.” Even dry food can often be swallowed whole, wet food anyway.
However, prevention is better than cure. A cat that already has an infection or disease should be treated once a day by the owner. Roux recommends cotton swabs for this: sprinkle with a little water or mouth disinfectant and bring them to the teeth. “The upper teeth and the outside in particular need to be cleaned well,” says the dental specialist, “because these are the areas most commonly affected in cats.” He advises getting young animals used to brushing their teeth, so it will be easier later when the animal gets older and needs more care. Food that cares for the teeth may help, but: “It doesn’t work as well as brushing your teeth,” says Roux. Still, it’s better than nothing.
Bad Breath is a Sign of Gum Inflammation
The annual check-up appointment with the vet helps to notice creeping dental problems. If the gums are not too badly affected and the owner is willing to brush his kitty’s teeth every day in the future, worse things can be prevented. A tartar removal once a year supports the care. The tartar is literally blasted away with ultrasound, while the cat is under general anesthesia.
Severe damage to the teeth is noticed by a strong-bad breath, i.e. when the gums are already inflamed. If the animal eats and suddenly runs away, this also indicates “that something is wrong in the mouth,” says Roux. Inflammation of the gums is not only caused by insufficient care. In some cats, it’s also in their genes. Young cats of the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest cat breeds, for example, are susceptible.