Cat Dental Care Services From Our Expert Dentistry Team
Here at Spinney Vets, we understand that your cat’s oral hygiene is just as important as any other routine and preventative treatment. This is why we recommend preventative oral health care.
Like humans, cats can develop a build-up of tartar, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing your cat’s teeth once or twice a day is the best option for good oral hygiene. Our team would be happy to assist you with answering any questions you may have, as well as advising you on the recommended products or diets for your cat.
Symptoms of oral disease in cats
Cats can be very good at hiding signs of pain and often, owners aren’t aware that their cat has oral disease; this is why our vets and nurses perform an oral check at each general consultation.
Some cats with severe oral health disease, root exposure, severe gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), or tooth root infections, will continue to eat, showing only subtle signs that there is a problem. Catching oral disease early can reduce the number of extractions required.
Plaque can be removed by tooth brushing; however, tarter will not be removed by brushing alone; if this is already present, we recommend a scale and polish to remove it, followed by tooth brushing to prevent the build up from occurring again.
A general anaesthesia is required for all oral procedures; however, a scale and polish procedure is much shorter with a faster recovery, compared to your cat having multiple extractions.
Signs of poor oral health in cats
Cats are experts at masking discomfort, making it essential for pet owners to spot subtle changes that could indicate dental issues. Signs of poor dental health in cats include:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Tartar build-up on teeth (brown deposits on the surface)
- Red or inflamed gums (gingivitis)
- Discoloured teeth
- Loose teeth
If you're concerned about your cat’s oral health, contact our team at Spinney Vets in Northampton. Book a cat dental care consultation at a time that suits you to ensure your pet’s teeth and gums stay in top condition.
Signs of severe dental disease in cats
Severe dental disease in cats can be difficult to detect, as they often hide signs of discomfort. However, pet owners should watch for the following signs that may indicate advanced dental issues:
- Drooling
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Slowness or reluctance to eat
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Dropping food from the mouth when eating
- Swelling around the mouth
If you detect any of the above signs, please contact Spinney Vets in Wooton Fields and Kettering Road to book an appointment for a vet to examine your cat as soon as possible.
How can oral disease in cats be prevented?
The best way to maintain healthy teeth is to brush your cat’s teeth daily. The Spinney Vets team would be happy to help with advice on introducing toothbrushing to your cat.
It can also be beneficial to have a scale and polish performed regularly to clean the teeth thoroughly. This is similar to the treatment we would receive from a dental hygienist. These are done under a short general anaesthetic as cats won’t sit in one position for a prolonged period and we must ensure their safety and the team’s safety when in the vicinity of sharp teeth!
Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs)
Cats also get another form of dental disease known as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs). It has an unknown cause, but 75% of cats are thought to be affected. It is particularly common in cats over five years but can occur at any age.
In these lesions, part of the tooth is eaten away by the tooth itself, forming a small hole in the enamel close to the gum line. These lesions are very painful for cats and can lead to tooth fractures as they weaken the teeth. They require extraction to resolve.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have, as well as advising you on the recommended products or dental diets for your pet. Contact Spinney Vets in Wooton Fields and Kettering Road for a consultation.
