Did you know that cat tooth decay is very common? In fact, it's one of the most common health problems that cats face. There are a number of reasons why cat teeth may decay, but the two most common causes are feline resorptive lesions and periodontal disease. Feline resorptive lesions are cavities that form within the cat's teeth, and they can be very painful. If your cat has any signs of tooth decay, you should take them to the veterinarian for evaluation. The other major cause of cat tooth decay is periodontal disease, which is a condition that affects the gums and tissues around the teeth.
What are the most common causes of cat tooth decay?
The most common cause of tooth decay in cats is due to feline tooth resorption. Common terms for this condition are: Feline cavities, feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL), and neck lesions
These are all basically different terms for feline tooth resorption – a cavity that forms within the cat's teeth. The underlying cause of this type of tooth resorption is unknown, but it is very painful and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Multiple theories have been explored as to why tooth resorption occurs but they have all been disproven. Cats that have FIV (Feline immunodeficiency virus) are at risk for developing feline cavities.
The other major cause of cat tooth decay is periodontal disease. This is a condition that affects the gums and tissues around the cat's teeth. It is very common in cats and can lead to tooth loss if not treated. Periodontal disease is caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth after eating, and it contains bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Tartar is a mineral deposit that forms on the teeth over time, and it can also cause tooth decay.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay in cats?
In most cases, no clinical symptoms are present, especially when the cavity is confined below the gumline. When tooth decay penetrates the root surface and erodes through the gum line, a lesion is exposed to oral bacteria, which can cause painful inflammation of the surrounding tissues. Cats with tooth decay exposed to the oral cavity usually reveal the following symptoms:
- excessive salivation
- head shaking
- sneezing
- lack of appetite
- oral bleeding
- difficulties eating
- gagging
- face rubbing
- bad breath (halitosis)
If your cat is displaying any of these symptoms, it's important to take them to your veterinarian for evaluation. Tooth decay can be very painful and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
What are the treatment options for tooth decay in cats?
The primary objectives of therapy are to reduce pain and avoid future discomfort, along with maintaining oral function. If your cat's tooth decay is caused by feline cavities (resorptive lesions), extracting the affected teeth is the best option as it will remove the source of pain and disease. If the cat's tooth decay is caused by periodontal disease, treatment will involve a combination of dental cleaning, scaling, and polishing to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, and antibiotics if needed to treat any infection. In some cases, tooth extraction may be required to correct extensive damage to the gums and tissues.
How can I prevent cat tooth decay from happening in the first place?
There are a number of ways to help prevent cat tooth decay. The most important thing you can do is keep your cat's teeth clean. The easiest and most successful option is to feed your cat a diet designed to brush your cat's teeth while they eat. Not all dental diets are created equal and your veterinarian will be able to direct you to the most successful diet options for your cat. Here, we recommend Royal Canin Dental or Hills Prescription T/D. Both of these diets work very well. Alternatively, can use these particular diets as dental treats if you want to continue with your current diet.
There are also some good-quality water additives available. Water additives are designed to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth. Without plaque, tartar formation is reduced and the risk of periodontal disease is lessened.
With cat tooth decay as a result of feline cavities (feline tooth resorption/FORLs), there are no proven preventative options.
Common questions about cat tooth decay from cat owners
Is cat tooth decay painful?
Cats with exposed lesions are very uncomfortable and painful. Tooth decay results in exposure of the nerve endings in the affected teeth. Interestingly, most cats will continue to eat with oral pain. Therefore, we cannot solely assess pain tolerance based on appetite.
Can cat tooth decay cause other health problems?
Yes, cat tooth decay can lead to a number of serious health problems if left untreated. These include:
- Chronic oral inflammation
- Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
- Jaw abscesses
- Tooth loss
Can cat tooth decay and dental disease be fatal?
Uncommonly, cat tooth decay and dental disease can be fatal. The most common cause of death is the spread of infection to other parts of the body (sepsis). As the liver and kidneys are the main filtering organs in the body, they are often the most affected secondarily by severe cat tooth decay and disease.
How many teeth do cats have?
Adult cats have 30 teeth!
Tooth decay in cats is very common, and there are a number of reasons why it can occur. The two most common causes are feline resorptive lesions and periodontal disease. Both of these are very painful and should be evaluated by your veterinarian if your cat is displaying any of the associated symptoms. These conditions are treated by tooth extraction or dental cleaning, scaling, and polishing. In severe cases, antibiotics will be prescribed. Preventative options are aligned with keeping the teeth as healthy as possible using specific kibble diets, dental treats, and/or water additives. At Kingsdale Animal Hospital, we offer comprehensive dental care services for your pets. Please contact us for more details!