Dental disease is among, if not the most frequent, health problems that cats experience. In cats, a normal oral cavity is critical for their digestive health and overall quality of life. Grooming and eating are all done with the cat’s mouth. Our cats can spend the majority of their time grooming. When cats have tooth pain or dental issues, they will groom less, resulting in an untidy coat.
Knowing when our pets, particularly cats, are sick can be difficult. Cats, despite their reputation as predators, are frequently preyed upon in the wild. When an animal in the wild shows indications of illness, it is viewed as a sign of vulnerability and can result in the animal’s death. Cats are still not fully domesticated animals, and their natural instinct is to hide any weakness. As owners and caregivers, this makes it challenging for us to be their best health advocates. For catering to the proper oral hygiene of your cats, seek the assistance of a qualified pet clinic in Dubai.
Sign of dental pain in cats
Depending on the severity of the ache and the cat’s personality, dental discomfort in cats can present in a number of ways.
An affected cat may not show any signs of distress at all in some cases. When a veterinarian uses a dental probe to exert pressure around the base of the tooth, dental pain may be detected only during a veterinary checkup.
A cat with a hurting mouth may delay eating until it is absolutely necessary, after which they will puke up the food. Many cats may merely growl as they approach the food bowl. They want to eat, but the physical act of chewing is too painful for them.
Cats have a harsh tongue covered in barbs called papillae. In nature, their tongue is used for grooming as well as consuming fuzzy prey. When a cat’s mouth hurts, he or she may only eat using his or her tongue. This can lead to persistent vomiting after eating since the kibble fills up their stomach. Unfortunately, many cats with dental illnesses may not display outward signs of suffering. They are going to continue eating as if there is no problem since hunger predominates everything else.
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, she may be suffering from dental pain. Other indications of oral disease, in addition to these, which clearly indicate discomfort, may also indicate the risk of dental pain. Bad breath, noticeably loose teeth, and muzzle puffiness are some of these symptoms.
Treatment for dental pain in cats
The only way to relieve dental discomfort in cats is to deal with the underlying tooth condition. While pain medication may temporarily alleviate symptoms, the discomfort will return until the underlying problem is treated.
The only way to relieve dental discomfort in cats is to treat the underlying tooth condition. While pain medication may temporarily alleviate symptoms, the discomfort will return until the underlying problem is treated. A full dental health evaluation and treatment, done under general anesthesia, is likely to be recommended by your veterinarian. Prior to anesthesia, your veterinarian will do a pre-anesthetic exam and laboratory assessment to examine your cat’s overall health. After that, your cat will be totally sedated to allow for a thorough oral examination and dental cleaning.
Tartar will be scaled away from your cat’s teeth, enabling you to see the entire tooth. Dental radiographs may also be used to assess the tooth roots and any abnormalities that may exist beneath the gum line. A complete oral exam will be performed by your veterinarian, who will examine each of your cat’s teeth and mouth tissues.
Book regular appointments for your cat in some pet clinics in Dubai. Your vet will design a treatment plan for any dental problems detected after your cat’s teeth have been properly cleaned and assessed. Extraction of damaged teeth or sophisticated dental operations such as a root canal are examples of dental treatments.
Common dental problems in cats
In cats, dental disease can take many distinct forms. Cat teeth concerns include periodontitis, tooth disintegration, stomatitis, malocclusions, oral tumors, and oral trauma.
- Malocclusion
The connection between the dentition of the maxilla and the mandibles is known as occlusion. A malocclusion, also known as an aberrant bite or an overbite in cats, occurs when this connection is abnormal. A malocclusion can cause an abnormal bite, affecting function and causing pain.
- Plaque
Plaque is a thin layer of bacteria and food debris that forms on the surface of a cat’s teeth over time. This is quickly removed by brushing’s mechanical stresses. A cat’s teeth and gums will remain healthy if plaque is eliminated daily.
- Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a disorder that occurs when tartar digs into and below the gum tissue, causing the gums to become red, sensitive, and inflamed. When tartar digs into the gum line and causes gingivitis, plaque bacteria are regularly introduced below the gum line, causing variable degrees of gum infection.
- Oral tumors
Squamous cell cancer is the most prevalent oral tumor seen in cats. This is a highly aggressive cancer that necessitates early detection and treatment in order to have a good prognosis. Tragically, the majority of cats diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma do so late in the disease’s progression.
Our feline pets can also develop benign oral tumors or inflammatory swellings that, with correct surgical treatment, have a good prognosis.
- Periodontitis
Toxic chemicals are secreted by plaque bacteria below the gum line, causing additional tissue damage. The irritation and tissue damage caused by these bacteria often activate a cat’s immune system. To attempt to damage the bacterial invaders, the immune system sends in white blood cells as well as other inflammatory compounds. Consequently, many of the tooth’s supportive soft and bony structures are injured as a result of this process, resulting in periodontitis.
- Resorption
Resorptive lesions can affect cats of any age and breed. Type I and Type II tooth resorption are the two most common kinds of dental resorption.
Most of the dentition is intact in Type I tooth resorption. However, there are teeth flaws in the crown and/or root. Surgery is the only option for teeth with Type I resorption. The tooth root is regenerated by bone in Type II tooth resorption. Coronectomy is an effective procedure for Type II tooth resorption.
- Root abscess
The germs can gradually destroy the tooth’s root and its connection to the jaw, depriving the root and tooth of crucial blood supply. This causes the damaged tissue to die, and the immune system responds by summoning a large number of white blood cells to the region, resulting in a deposit of white blood cells known as pus or an abscess. However, the immune system has a tough time overcoming deep bone infection, necessitating surgical intervention by a veterinarian. The huge premolar teeth are the most usually affected by tooth root abscesses, and a cat will often appear with an unpleasant soft swelling just beneath the eye.
The absence of adequate teeth brushing by cat owners is perhaps the most common trigger for dental disease. Routine cleanings conducted by pet clinics in Dubai are just as necessary as daily teeth brushing. In fact, despite the care offered by veterinarians, periodontal disease and other diseases may progress unless cat owners practice regular tooth cleaning at home.
Chewing on hard items or synthetic chew toys can cause tooth damage, which can lead to periodontal disease. Diabetes and other chronic medical disorders can raise a cat’s risk of periodontal disease. If your grownup cat suffers from a chronic illness, speak with your veterinarian about the best approach to care for them.
Brushing your cat’s teeth should begin when he or she is a kitten. Teeth cleaning at home will be a breeze for young kittens. Brushing may cause pain in cats as they become older and acquire dental and gum disease, and they may be less eager to tolerate it. If your cat refuses to brush, there are dental wipes available that can help manage plaque when massaged twice weekly on the teeth and gums. Take your pet to a certified vet in Sharjah for proper maintenance of its oral hygiene.
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