Gingivitis in cats

Overview

Gingivitis, the technical term for inflammation of the gums, is serious business. Gum problems go hand in hand with tartar buildup and other dental disease. While calculus (tartar), a hard yellowish deposit, is the most noticeable and thought by some to be the extent of their pet’s dental disease, gingivitis is less apparent and often more insidious. It is this condition that leads to periodontal disease, and ultimately tooth loss.

A cat with an early case of gingivitis might feel no pain whatsoever, but the bacteria in his mouth are nonetheless already compromising his health. The bacteria associated with gingivitis infiltrate the bloodstream. Once in the blood, these bacteria travel to other areas of the body, often leading to serious kidney damage or heart disease.

Cats may experience an extreme form of inflammation called lymphocytic plasmacytic gingivitis stomatitis (LPGS). The symptoms of this severe condition may also include lesions in the back of the throat. When a cat suffers from LPGS, everyday activities become grueling tasks. Eating becomes painful, and self-grooming may discontinue altogether. The exact cause of LPGS is unknown; it is thought that it could be the body’s over reaction to bacteria on the teeth, a genetic pre-disposition, or associated with a previous exposure to a common upper respiratory virus.

Gingivitis can also be associated with other severe feline diseases like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Cats with gingivitis associated with these diseases often have very severe gingivitis that is non-responsive to most therapy attempts. Corticosteroids may help initially, however, they often lose effectiveness over time.

Symptoms

• Redness along the gums at the base of the teeth
• Bad breath
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums, especially after chewing on a hard bone or toy
• Trouble chewing food
• Scruffy coat
• Dropping food out of the mouth when eating
• Not eating because their mouth is too painful
• Poor grooming habits

Cause & prevention

Plaque and tartar build up between the teeth and gums, causing pain, inflammation, and bleeding. The best way to avoid gingivitis is brushing your pet's teeth regularly -- ideally every day. Animals accept brushing most easily when it is begun early in life, but even an older cat can acclimate to the process when an owner is persistent and the cat is willing. Start by rubbing your finger along your cat’s teeth and gums, and gradually switch to a pet toothbrush or rubber fingertip tooth massager. Be sure to use toothpaste formulated especially for cats; cat toothpaste is available in tasty flavors that cats tolerate well, like fish and poultry. Toothpaste for humans can cause illness and most cats do not appreciate its taste.

Some people believe that feeding dry, crunchy food will prevent tartar build-up and gingivitis. However, most cats barely chew their food and feeding them these types of diets has a minimal effect on their dental health.

Treatment

Your cat will develop serious dental disease and its associated problems if routine dental care is neglected. If tartar has already formed on your pet's teeth, your veterinarian must clean it off, similar to the way human’s get their teeth cleaned. Since cats will not sit still for their teeth to be cleaned thoroughly, this procedure requires anesthesia. Preventative teeth care at home will help lessen the number of dental cleanings your pet needs during their lifetime . Even daily brushing cannot remove plaque once it has calcified. Once the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and affected teeth are extracted, the prognosis is good as long as you follow a strict dental hygiene routine. Even if your pet tolerates dental care at home, thorough dental cleanings by your veterinarian may be required once or twice a year.

Cats with serious forms of gingivitis often require additional treatment to help ease their discomfort on a daily basis. Oral or injectable corticosteroids are often the mainstay of treatment and additional anti-inflammatory medications may be used if needed. Regular dental cleanings are essential for these cats to help decrease inflammation in their mouths.