Common Teeth Problems in Cats

Hunting, eating, biting toys, grooming, and biting are just a few activities cats engage in using their mouths. The teeth of busy cats come into contact with various objects and could develop various dental ailments over time. Regular dental exams and cleanings for your cat can assist you in avoiding these issues.

Common Dental Issues in Felines

Breath Problems

In veterinary medicine, smelly cats’ breath can be a frequent issue. Lousy breath, also known as Halitosis, is due to various oral health issues, from simple periodontal problems to an affected tumor. However, a systemic illness like renal disease or diabetes could also trigger Halitosis.

When your cat changes in its appetite or is experiencing difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or diarrhea, it is essential to consult a veterinarian as quickly as possible. These are signs of a more severe issue that requires urgent treatment. It is vital to discuss the subject of your cat’s breath being sour with your veterinarian and be alert for any other indications of disease.

Additionally, suppose you discover that your pet has breath issues; in that case, if you want to find a trustworthy expert, you can do a quick search for an “animal hospital near me“ for the best results.

Stomatitis

Feline stomatitis can be an unavoidable condition marked by extreme inflammation and ulceration in the tissues in the oral cavity (gums, cheeks, tongue, cheeks, and many more). While certain breeds, like Himalayans and Persians, are susceptible to this condition, it affects felines of every breed and may begin before a cat is the age of one year.

Stomatitis causes the lips of cats to be extremely red and inflamed, and they struggle to get their teeth examined. They generally have less appetite because of the discomfort they feel when eating. In extreme cases, they may become malnourished due to the agony they experience when eating.

While minor cases may respond to medical treatment and home care such as brushing, surgical cleaning, removal of the afflicted tissues, tooth extractions, and dental X-rays are crucial to confirm that complete removal of the roots produces the most effective results.

Tumors

Oral cancers are relatively frequent in cats. However, the majority of tumors found in dental cavities are malignant. Your cat’s mouth comprises more than just its gums and teeth. Lips, hard and soft palate (roof of the mouth), upper and lower jaw, cheeks, tongue, and mouth floor are part of the mouth. And oral tumors, both benign and malignant, can develop in any area of your cat’s mouth.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most widespread oral tumor in cats, accounting for almost 90% of all oral tumors. Fibrosarcomasand adenocarcinomas, as well as Ameloblastomas, are some examples of cancers. If possible, surgery can remove cancer in many circumstances. Cancer, as well as the margins around it, must be removed during surgery. The type of cancer decides the extent of the surgery and often requires taking out a part of the entire jaw, teeth, or the bone surrounding it.

Suppose your pet suffers from a tumor; you can browse websites like wellpethumane.com or contact an expert who can assess your pet for cat surgery.

Fractures

Cats are often affected by fractured teeth (fang) due to battles with other cats, automobile accidents, and gnawing on hard items. The nerve can be exposed to the outside when the tooth is broken and causes damage to the enamel (hard enamel that is a mineralized coating that covers the teeth) and dentin (bony tissue underneath that enamel).

To return to pain-free function, you can treat the shattered teeth. For instance, root canal therapy and essential pulp therapy extraction are viable options to treat the problem. The problem could cause the tooth to become uncomfortable and sensitive in the absence of treatment. 

If your pet has dental fractures, you can consult with a professional cat dentist to learn more. It is better that you take your pet for a vet examination every year or at the very minimum once per year, and include the complete oral examination.