Treating Gingivitis In Cats: Steps To Take

Gingivitis is a common dental disease in cats, affecting 80% of pets over three years old. It is caused by a buildup of plaque, which leads to swollen, red, and sensitive gums that may bleed. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, an irreversible condition that can result in tooth loss. To help cats with gingivitis, it is important to address the underlying causes and improve oral hygiene. This may include regular dental cleanings, tooth brushing, and the use of veterinary toothpaste and antibacterial solutions. In severe cases, veterinary intervention may be required, including the removal of plaque and tartar under general anesthesia, dental extraction, and the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.

How to identify gingivitis in cats

Gingivitis is a common oral disease in cats, characterised by swelling, redness, discomfort, and sometimes bleeding of the gums. It is often caused by a buildup of plaque, which can lead to tooth decay and other dental issues. As cats are adept at hiding their pain, it is important to know the signs of gingivitis to ensure your cat is healthy and comfortable.

The primary symptoms of gingivitis in cats include redness and bleeding of the gums, particularly at the gumline where the gums meet the teeth. This is usually accompanied by oral pain, which can be identified by your cat's behaviour. For example, they may be unwilling to eat or drink, or they may cry or yowl during mealtimes or when offered food. They may also sit helplessly in front of their food or water bowl. Some cats may only show very subtle signs of pain, so it is important to monitor their behaviour and look out for any changes.

Other signs of gingivitis in cats include bad breath, difficulty picking up toys or food, and plaque buildup on the surface of the teeth. In more advanced cases of gingivitis, the gums may appear irregular, and calculus (tartar) may be present under the gums and on the tooth surfaces.

If you suspect your cat is suffering from gingivitis, it is important to consult your veterinarian. They will be able to perform a thorough physical exam, considering your cat's medical history and possible conditions that could have led to gingivitis. They may also recommend a thorough dental exam under anesthesia to fully evaluate your cat's oral health.

To prevent gingivitis in cats, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene. This includes regular tooth brushing, using cat-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste. It is also recommended to provide your cat with a healthy and balanced diet to improve their overall oral condition.

How to treat gingivitis in cats

Gingivitis is a common dental disease in cats, affecting around 80% of pets over three years old. It is caused by a buildup of plaque, which leads to swollen, red, and sensitive gums that may bleed. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, an irreversible condition that can result in tooth loss. Therefore, it is important to recognise the signs of gingivitis and seek veterinary treatment.

Signs of Gingivitis in Cats

The primary signs of gingivitis include redness and swelling of the gums, accompanied by pain. Other signs to look out for include:

• Difficulty eating or drinking
• Sitting in front of the food or water bowl
• Eating with one side of the mouth
• Crying or yowling when eating
• Unexplained weight loss

Treating Gingivitis in Cats

The first step in treating gingivitis is to consult a veterinarian, who will perform a thorough physical exam and recommend appropriate treatment options. The main goal of treatment is to address the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. This may involve:

• Routine dental cleaning under anaesthesia: This is recommended at least annually and involves removing plaque and tartar from all surfaces of the cat's teeth, including under the gums.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Corticosteroids or other immune-modulating drugs may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Dental extractions: In severe cases, extraction of some or all teeth may be necessary, especially if the cat is suffering from severe gingivostomatitis.
• Gingivectomy: This procedure involves the removal of part of the gums.
• Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat any underlying bacterial infections.

Preventing Gingivitis in Cats

To prevent gingivitis in cats, it is important to focus on plaque control:

• Brushing your cat's teeth daily with a special finger pad or toothbrush designed for cats, using veterinary toothpaste.
• Use chlorhexidine rinses or water additives to minimise plaque growth.
• Provide your cat with VOHC-approved food that has been shown to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet to improve your cat's overall oral health.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and veterinary visits to monitor your cat's oral health.

How to prevent gingivitis in cats

Gingivitis is a common dental disease in cats, affecting around 80% of pets over three years old. It is caused by a buildup of plaque, which leads to swelling, redness, bleeding, and sensitivity of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, an irreversible condition that often results in tooth loss. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to maintain your cat's oral health and reduce the risk of gingivitis.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

The best way to prevent gingivitis is to control plaque accumulation in your cat's mouth. This can be done by brushing your cat's teeth regularly, ideally once a day, using a special finger pad or a cat-specific toothbrush with veterinary toothpaste. It is important to introduce brushing gradually and consistently so that your cat becomes accustomed to it. You can start by placing treats near the toothbrush and toothpaste to create a positive association. Then, get your cat used to you touching their mouth by placing a treat on their canine teeth and gradually moving it deeper into their mouth. Once your cat is comfortable with these steps, you can start brushing their teeth along the gum line for 15 to 30 seconds, rewarding them with a treat afterward.

Use Chlorhexidine Rinses or Water Additives

In addition to brushing, you can use chlorhexidine rinses or water additives to minimize the risk of plaque growth. These products can be used as a mouth rinse or added to your cat's drinking water to help reduce plaque buildup.

Provide a Healthy and Balanced Diet

Feeding your cat nutritionally complete and balanced meals is crucial for maintaining their overall oral health. A healthy diet can help improve your cat's oral condition and reduce the risk of gingivitis. It is also important to note that feeding only wet food can increase the likelihood of dental disease due to the lack of abrasive action during chewing. Therefore, it is recommended to feed dry food or specially formulated dental cat food that has been shown to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Regular Veterinary Check-ups and Dental Cleanings

Regular visits to the veterinarian are essential for maintaining your cat's oral health. Your veterinarian can examine your cat's mouth, recommend necessary dental procedures, and provide guidance on oral hygiene routines. Routine dental cleanings, performed under anesthesia, are highly effective in reducing plaque and tartar buildup. These cleanings may need to be done annually or more frequently, depending on the condition of your cat's teeth and gums.

Use Veterinary-Approved Dental Products

Your veterinarian may recommend or provide specific dental care products designed for cats, such as dental treats, solutions, or supplements, to help maintain your cat's dental health. These products can aid in plaque control and support your cat's overall oral hygiene.

How to care for cats with gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common dental disease in cats, affecting around 80% of pets over three years old. It is caused by a buildup of plaque, which leads to swollen, red, and sensitive gums that may also bleed. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, an irreversible condition that often results in tooth loss. Therefore, it is important to care for your cat's oral health and address gingivitis as early as possible. Here are some ways to care for cats with gingivitis:

Identify the Signs and Symptoms

Recognize the signs of gingivitis in your cat, such as red or swollen gums, especially around the inner cheek area. Other symptoms include difficulty eating, drooling, bad breath, and weight loss.

Seek Veterinary Treatment

Consult your veterinarian as soon as you notice any symptoms of gingivitis. They will perform a thorough oral examination and recommend appropriate treatment options. Advanced cases of gingivitis may require dental cleaning under anesthesia, dental X-rays, and even tooth extraction in severe instances.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Maintain your cat's oral hygiene by brushing their teeth regularly. Use a special finger pad or a cat-specific toothbrush with veterinary toothpaste. Introduce brushing gradually and consistently so your cat becomes accustomed to it. Aim for daily brushing, or at least every other day, to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

Use Veterinary Solutions

Your veterinarian may prescribe a veterinary antibacterial solution to squirt onto your cat's teeth or add to their drinking water. This helps reduce plaque accumulation and improve your cat's oral health.

Provide Recommended Diet

Feed your cat a healthy and balanced diet to improve their overall oral condition. Consult your veterinarian about recommended dietary changes or specially formulated dental cat foods that can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. In severe cases of gingivitis, soft canned food or moist food may be necessary to make eating more manageable for your cat.

Schedule Regular Check-ups

Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings for your cat to prevent and manage gingivitis. The frequency of these visits will depend on the stage of periodontal disease and the severity of your cat's condition.

How to help cats with gingivitis eat

Gingivitis is a common dental disease in cats, affecting around 80% of pets over three years old. It is caused by a buildup of plaque, which leads to swollen, red, and sensitive gums that may bleed. In extreme cases, cats may find it too painful to eat or drink.

If your cat has gingivitis, there are several things you can do to help them eat:

• Switch to soft canned food or add water to dry food to make a mash: Cats with more serious symptoms of gingivitis may struggle to eat dry food, so switching to soft, canned food or adding water to dry food can make it easier for them to chew and swallow.
• Purée the food: In some cases, cats may even find soft canned food challenging to consume. Puréeing the food can help ensure they are still getting the nutrients they need while their gums heal.
• Feed your cat Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved food: These foods are designed to help minimize tartar and plaque buildup in cats.
• Feed your cat a healthy and balanced diet: Providing your cat with nutritionally complete meals is essential for maintaining their overall oral health.
• Brush your cat's teeth regularly: Brushing your cat's teeth daily with a special finger pad and veterinary toothpaste can help prevent plaque buildup and improve their overall oral health. Be sure to introduce brushing gradually and consistently so your cat can get used to it.
• Use a veterinary antibacterial solution: Your veterinarian may recommend a veterinary antibacterial solution that you can squirt onto your cat's teeth or add to their drinking water to help reduce plaque buildup.
• Provide dental treats and toys: There are also dental treats and toys specifically designed to help control plaque buildup and improve your cat's oral health.
• See a veterinarian: If your cat's gingivitis is severe, it may be necessary to see a veterinarian for a thorough oral examination and professional teeth cleaning under anesthesia. They may also recommend X-rays, antibiotics, or other treatments to address the inflammation and plaque buildup.

Frequently asked questions