Cavities in cats, defined as periodontal disease, is the shearing off and degradation of the tooth at or below the gum line resulting in painful, bloody lesions as well as destruction of the entire tooth structure. The most common type of periodontal disease is tooth resorption (absorption back into the body), although there are several other kinds of periodontal disease in cats.
Cavities in cats are not the same as cavities in humans. While it is an extremely common condition and is believed to be found in 85% of all cats aged three years and older, it is identified more as periodontal disease rather than simple cavities or decay. If left untreated, periodontal disease can become more severe as the cat ages. Bacteria in the mouth creates a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth which, over time, can affect the health of the tooth, the entire dental structure, and possibly even the rest of the body.
Cavities Average Cost
From 403 quotes ranging from $500 - $1,200
Average Cost
$750
Symptoms of cavities in cats often include:
Less apparent symptoms:
Symptoms of periodontal disease in cats can be difficult to detect. Cats do not often exhibit signs of pain until they cannot handle it any longer. Close observation by the pet owner is needed to assess the presence of any pain.
Types
It is very important to note that each type of periodontal disease, if left untreated, can develop into a chronic infection that enters the bloodstream and travels to the internal organs, causing a wider spread of the disease.
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There are currently no precise causes of periodontal disease in cats, although tartar and plaque build-up is involved in every case. Other suspicions include:
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Diagnosis of periodontal disease in cats is based on probing the teeth for inflammation and tartar build-up, and by the taking of x-rays under general anesthesia to provide a positive identification of lesions, root fragments within the gums, and bone loss.
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Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs)
Extraction of the affected tooth or teeth and its entire structure is the only way to ensure that the disease does not spread. A continued use of x-rays to visualize fractured tooth fragments hidden under the gumline is crucial in order to ensure complete removal and to prevent the spreading of further infection. X-rays will likely be taken several times before the procedure is complete.
Depending on the case, the canine teeth may be saved. However, it is common that they will degrade again and need removing in the future.
Gingivitis
Mild to moderate cases of gingivitis do not affect the root of the tooth and may be handled with a thorough, non-surgical cleaning called subgingival curettage followed by at-home care. More severe cases where the cat is in a large amount of pain will require a deeper cleaning under general anesthesia. If gum recession is too severe then the tooth may be extracted.
Stomatitis
An initial cleaning of the teeth followed by at-home care and the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories is possible in most cases. Immunosuppressive drugs may also be utilized. Severe cases will involve the extraction of the affected tooth under general anesthesia in order to remove the focal site of bacterial growth.
Periodontitis
Extraction of the tooth is the only treatment for periodontitis due to the severity of the disease.
Pet owners should make sure that their veterinarian is adequately equipped and staffed to handle these kinds of surgical procedures. If not, they should ask their veterinarian for a recommendation or referral to a feline dental specialist.
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Continued use of oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories at home is standard post-operative practice. Immunosuppressive drugs may continue to be recommended. Follow-up appointments will be required to ensure proper healing and to gauge any recurrence of infection. Full recovery should occur within 1-2 weeks.
In periodontal disease, prevention is worth a pound of cure. Good oral hygiene is a must. Routine examinations by a veterinarian along with regular care at home are the best way to keep a cat’s mouth healthy. Examinations by a veterinarian should be scheduled at least every 12 months. If your cat has been treated for the disease already, then more frequent visits are needed. Daily brushing along with a proper diet will help to keep the disease from occurring. The veterinarian may also recommend specially formulated dental foods and treats that will slow the buildup of tartar and reduce the severity of the disease. A food that is low in acid and in Vitamin D is suspected to be a good choice for proper dental health.
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Cavities Average Cost
From 403 quotes ranging from $500 - $1,200
Average Cost
$750
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Mowgli
Domestic short
9 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Hello, my 9-year old cat had a checkup and all was fine. Except the vet said cat had a cavity and it would "probably jut fall out." I told him I would keep an eye on him -- cat is still eating well. But seems to be a bit more listless than usual. He is an indoor-outdoor cat and has not been going out too much (but this may be because of the heat).
Aug. 16, 2018
Mowgli's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Tooth pain doesn't typically cause lethargy in cats, but cavities can be quite painful. If Mowgli is eating normally, it may not be the tooth, and may be the heat. If he doesn't return to normal within a couple of days, it may be a good idea to call your veterinarian and see if you should be concerned with his behavior, or if he may need some lab work done.
Aug. 16, 2018
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Sammy
Flame-point Saimese Mix
7 Years
Mild severity
2 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Hello! So, I had asked questions on here before. The last one was about the tumor my kitty had in between his shoulder blades. He's been through surgery, and is doing really well! It wasn't cancerous or anything. Anyway, after we went for his finally check up after the surgery, the vet said that his teeth were getting to the point where they need cleaning. Right now that would be a little over $200 to do. They're not horrible yet, but it's getting there. He recommended that we brush his teeth to at least stop it from progressing till we can get them cleaned professionally. I did some looking around, and most kitty toothpastes have baking soda in them. I know it's in human toothpaste, but I wondered if it was ok for cats. (Cause you can't always trust Walmart, lol) What I found said it wasn't the best. Cats can't spit like we can, so he'd end up ingesting it. Just wondering if there's any suggestions on what I should get him for toothpaste? Sometime safe that's not going to make him sick again. He's not on any meds and he doesn't seem to be in any pain. Thanks in advance! :3
Aug. 15, 2018
Sammy's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Pet stores or your veterinarian are both good sources to get toothpaste that is safe for cats to ingest, and those may be safer than the brand that you are looking at. I'm glad that Sammy came through his surgery well!
Aug. 15, 2018
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Cavities Average Cost
From 403 quotes ranging from $500 - $1,200
Average Cost
$750
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