Periodontal disease is also common in cats, but in addition to periodontal disease, cats can also develop painful "cat cavities," technically called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs). Studies show that if your cat is older than five years old, there is a 72% likelihood that he or she has a FORL. Signs that your cat may have one of these "cat cavities" include drooling, bleeding from the mouth, or difficulty chewing. It is important to realize, however, that a majority of affected cats do not show obvious signs but are indeed experiencing pain.
In order to help prevent oral disease, we recommend:
1. Scheduling a dental exam and, if needed, a professional dental cleaning. Call us to schedule a dental exam. We will let you know if a cleaning is recommended, and can arrange for one if needed.
2. Establishing an at-home dental care regimen that includes regular brushing and a proper diet. It's best to start brushing while your pet is young, but adult dogs and cats can also learn to tolerate, and even enjoy brushing. Toothpastes for dogs and cats are specially formulated to taste good, and are safe for the pet to swallow. Human toothpastes are not recommended because they can upset your pet's stomach (pets don't spit the toothpaste out like we do). Home care may also include a special diet. Certain pet foods have been developed which show some efficacy in the removal of plaque and tartar.
3. Regular follow-up veterinary checkups. Follow-up exams are important to insure that potential dental problems are caught early, and treated early. This offers us the best chance to alleviate pain, prevent tooth loss, and treat periodontal disease before an infection adversely affects your pet's heart, liver or kidneys