Your smoky gray cat Ash is a fastidious feline. Each morning, this five-year-old companion spends considerable time grooming himself. He continues this routine throughout the day, apparently taking pride in his appearance. Although he hasn’t discussed his teeth, you think he’d like to keep them gleaming. Fortunately, your Myrtle Beach, SC vet provides him with professional dental care.
Dangerous “Kitty Cavities”
Ash can be targeted by “kitty cavities,” a catchy term for an ailment affecting cats of all ages. These FORLs, or feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, emerge on teeth sides near the gum lines. Over time, the cavities erode each tooth, perhaps causing a fracture. Your poor cat can experience extremely inflamed gums and a tooth pulp infection.
Pitfalls of Periodontitis
You’ve probably heard of periodontitis, the most prevalent feline dental problem. This progressive condition begins when plaque, a soft blend of food, saliva, and bacteria, sticks to your cat’s teeth and gums. If the plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, leading to tooth and root tissue irritation. First, you might observe reddish-colored gums, or gingivitis. Next, your feline companion could suffer from tooth infections or abscesses. He can also experience pain, bleeding, atrocious breath, and tooth loss. After his gum tissues are compromised, opportunistic bacteria could migrate into his bloodstream. These dangerous organisms can attack his heart and kidneys.
Regular Dental Exams
You’re glad Ash’s vet works to prevent dental disease, providing your cat with a dental exam during every physical checkup. If he detects a developing problem, he quickly addresses it. However, if your cat appears to have trouble eating, begins to drool, or has offensive breath, take him to the vet immediately.
Cleaning & Polishing
If the vet’s exam uncovers tartar accumulation and/or gingivitis, he’ll likely prescribe a thorough dental cleaning. As Ash snoozes under anesthesia, the vet carefully scrubs each tooth, even beneath gum lines. To discourage debris from sticking to your cat’s choppers, the vet coats them with a smoothing tooth polish.
Home Brushing Sessions
Because your Myrtle Beach, SC vet wants Ash’s teeth to stay healthy, he’ll demonstrate how to safely brush them. Use cat-friendly toothpaste, as human paste will annoy his mouth and stomach. With regular dental exams and cleanings, plus home brushing sessions, Ash’s little teeth should continue to shine. To improve your cat’s dental health, contact us for expert advice.
