Periodontal Disease in Cats

Periodontal disease may be one of the most prevalent, but least addressed diseases threatening our pet cats today. It is defined as the destruction of the structures that attach the teeth to the mouth. Bacteria found in the mouth and how the cat’s immune system responds to the infection all play a role in its progression. Periodontal disease tends to be cyclic -periods of active destruction alternating with periods of relative quiet in the mouth. Once periodontal disease begins, there is no cure. There are, however, ways to control its progression and save the teeth that remain.

As with many problems, the best way to treat periodontal disease is to prevent it. Routine home care, tartar control diets and routine dental cleanings are the mainstay of prevention.

Once periodontal disease has started to destroy the supporting structures of the teeth, the aggressiveness of the mouth care must be increased.

Dental Cleanings. The frequency of professional cleanings may need to be increased from once a year to twice yearly or even several times a year.

Home Tooth Brushing. If the cat will allow it, the teeth should be cleaned daily.

Pulse Therapy. Clindamycin, an antibiotic that is potent against the bacteria found in the mouth, may be prescribed the first 5 days of each month.

Gels & Rinses. These antibacterial mouthwashes may be prescribed for use at home as part of your cat’s mouth care program.

Dental Sealants. Ovavet is a dental sealant that is applied once a week as a waxy gel that melts and coats the tooth surface and helps prevent bacteria from attaching to the tooth surface and reduces the formation of plaque.

As a last resort, removal of diseased or loose teeth may be necessary to alleviate discomfort and allow the pet to enjoy a pain free existence.

One problem particular to the feline mouth is the type of cavities that cats experience. Once a cavity occurs, it quickly eats through the protective enamel layer covering the tooth. Once this happens, there is no way to stop the progression of the problem, and extraction of the tooth is necessary to prevent chronic pain in the mouth. Drilling and filling the tooth as is done with human cavities does not work. We do not know whether these cavities occur as part of the periodontal disease syndrome, predispose a cat towards periodontal disease, or if they are a category of problem all by themselves.

Remember, cats do not always show that they are in pain. Mother nature put the cat together in such a way to hide early signs of problems. In the wild this is a survival trait. Unfortunately, in our domestic setting, it means many cats needlessly suffer in silence due to periodontal disease. Be proactive for your feline friend- let us set up a dental program for your pet today!