To address the significance of oral health care for pets, the AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February. Dental disease is the most common disease seen in pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of three.
Here are five signs your cat may need dental care:
Bad Breath
It is not normal for your cat’s breath to smell bad – even if she eats fishy food every day. If your cat’s mouth smells like rotting eggs, she most likely has gingivitis, tooth decay or other dental problems such as a bacterial infection.Loss of appetite
If your cat suddenly stops reminding you it’s dinner time or walks away from her bowl after a bite or two, she may have some oral pain or discomfort.
Stained Teeth
Signs of tartar build up are yellow and brown stains on the teeth and around the gums. (This often goes hand in hand with bad breath.)Pawing and Drooling
Pawing at her face and/or drooling is a sign of dental disease, especially if the drool is bloody. Your cat may also shake her head if she is having discomfort.Loose or Missing Teeth
Loose or missing teeth are a sign of serious dental issues. A build- up of bacteria can eat away the binding that holds the tooth in place. This could also be a sign that an infection is present or brewing.If your cat has any of these signs, it’s very important she gets checked by your vet.
Untreated dental disease can lead to oral pain, abscess formation, osteomyelitis (bone infection), and tooth loss. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through diseased oral tissues, affecting other organs as well, most notably the heart valves and kidneys. Dental disease also increases the risk of diabetes, infections of the lungs, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, heart failure, and even cancer.
It's important to have your cat's teeth checked on an annual basis, and during the month of February many vets offer free dental checkups.Recently on Lexy's annual check up our vet found the beginnings of tartar buildup and gingivitis. We're just watching it for now, but I'm considering trying some additives to the water to see if that helps. Lola goes for her annual checkup in a few days, and I'm hoping her teeth are in good shape.
Do you get your cat's teeth checked on a regular basis?
Dawn
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L & L...thanx for sharin thiz post....sum thin all uz petz kneadz a ree minder a bout...tho we canna say TWO much on de bad breath kinda thing; bee in fish
ReplyDeleteloverz & all :) ☺☺☺♥♥♥
Excellent post, dental care is important.
ReplyDeleteEvery time we go to the vet, my human makes sure our teeth are examined - and sometimes she even does it herself. She is one of those humans who thinks dental health is extremely important - in fact, she has seen her dentist for regular checkups WAY more than regular doctor! She is glad she can get both done at the same time with us.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate those signs. Their teeth get checked when they go for their annual check-ups. However, if I see any of those signs in between visits, I'll know to bring them in right away.
ReplyDeleteThe mom makes sure the vet checks our teefs every time we're there.
ReplyDeleteGreat info! When Sister Zoe lost 3 teeth the peeps noticed she was chewing funny.
ReplyDeleteImportant info! Kylo Ren has the stinkiest breath, and the mom has been meaning to make him an appointment at the vet. Thanks for the reminder, furiends!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely important to take your cat to the vet annually and have their teeth checked. Carmine and Lita get their teeth checked every time they go.
ReplyDeleteGreat info to know, thank you!
ReplyDeleteDental care is important for dogs and cats. I'm so glad that we finally recognize the importance of taking care of their teeth. ♥
ReplyDeleteI try to keep my pup, Henry's teeth as clean as possible. It's hard sometimes! Dental care is so important for pets. Good info!
ReplyDeleteGood info. My cats always needed frequent teeth checks.
ReplyDeleteI brush his teeth everyday and I check then. He had a fractured tooth that needed removing.
ReplyDeleteDental health is so important - thanks for this informative post. We've had some luck brushing Charlie's teeth but the others aren't so keen on it.
ReplyDeleteGreat information thanks for sharing. I have no doubt this quick guide will be an eye opener for many cat guardians, and more cats will get the dental care they so desperately need.
ReplyDeleteOur vet gave us a special toothpaste to rub at the back of their teeth where decay occurs the most. Our cats love it because it's chicken flavored! My one cat is getting into her senior years so we need to keep a close eye on her teeth, so far she is doing well. Thanks for this list, always a good reminder of what to look for.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could examine our cats mouth like I do the dogs, but it's never going to happen. lol Thank goodness for our brave Vet! Great informative post! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post and so important to remember their dental care to keep them healthy
ReplyDeleteDental health in pets isis an important part of their overall health. Dental disease can lead to other more serious health problems. Thanks for reminding cat parents of this!
ReplyDeleteLove & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Dental health in pets isis an important part of their overall health. Dental disease can lead to other more serious health problems. Thanks for reminding cat parents of this!
ReplyDeleteLove & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Ours get a teeth check when they go for their annual injections (or the six monthly seniors) I am worried about Dusty so may take him in this month.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this - very important information! Purrs from Deb and the Zee/Zoey gang
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Pet dental care is so important to the well-being of our pets. Great top 5.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate knowing these signs - really good information for our readers to know! Will share!
ReplyDeleteDental health is easy to ignore, but it is important to pay attention to the signs of dental problems.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important post. Gracie and Zoe get dental checkups (along with their regular overall health checkups) every year.
ReplyDeleteTruffle and Brulee's teeth are check annually at their vet visit. I've been lucky with my cats and their teeth.
ReplyDeleteYikes I had no idea that so many dogs and cats show signs of disease by 3. I was lucky with all my previous pets. Kilo hates the vet and having teeth cleaned but I rub them and give him chews. His breath is good and they look OK but better get gums checked and take more preventative care.
ReplyDeleteSuch an important post. Thank you
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this post! When I worked at the vet hospital, people were often surprised to learn that pawing or drooling indicated a dental issue.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! The vet has given Callie the Cat a clean bill of health on her oral care!!!
ReplyDeleteI need to get better at having regular dental checkups for myself and my cats. Manna is due for her cleaning really soon here. Dexter is still under a year old, so we don't have him scheduled for a cleaning quite yet. You are absolutely right about how important dental health is in our pets. So many things can be caught early and prevented with regular dental care!
ReplyDeleteDental health is SO important. Ruby arrived with very bad teeth and has had a dental and unfortunately, a few teeth pulled. Rosie will also be having her very first dental this year.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this - very important information!Dental health in pets isis an important part of their overall health.I need to get better at having regular dental checkups for myself and my cats. Manna is due for her cleaning really soon here.I try to keep my pup, Henry's teeth as clean as possible. It's hard sometimes! Dental care is so important for pets. Good info!http://onedaytop.com/music-therapy-puppies-cats/
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