Cat Dental Care at The Hometown Veterinarian: Questions and Answers About Dental Procedures for Your Cat
Proper dental care is essential for your cat’s overall health and well-being. At The Hometown Veterinarian, we offer Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) to ensure your cat receives the best possible care. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about cat dental care.
What is dental disease in cats?
Dental disease in cats primarily refers to stomatitis, periodontal disease, and feline tooth resorption. Periodontal disease affects the teeth, gums, and underlying bone, beginning with tartar buildup below the gumline and leading to inflammation, infection, and potential tooth loss. Tooth resorption is a painful condition where the tooth structure breaks down. Regular dental care helps prevent these issues and ensures your cat’s comfort and health.
What is stomatitis in cats?
Stomatitis is a severe and painful inflammation of a cat's mouth, affecting the gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. It often results from an overactive immune response to bacteria or viruses in the mouth. This condition can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life and requires prompt veterinary attention.
What are the signs of stomatitis in cats?
Signs of stomatitis can include:
- Bad breath
- Drooling, sometimes with blood
- Difficulty eating or refusing food
- Weight loss
- Red, swollen, or ulcerated gums
- Pawing at the mouth
If you notice these symptoms, schedule an evaluation with us immediately. Early treatment is crucial to managing this painful condition.
How is stomatitis treated?
Managing stomatitis often requires a combination of approaches, including:
- Professional dental cleaning to reduce bacteria.
- Anti-inflammatory medications to control immune response.
- Tooth extractions in severe cases, which often provide significant relief.
Each treatment plan is tailored to your cat’s specific needs to improve comfort and quality of life.
Can stomatitis be prevented?
While stomatitis isn’t entirely preventable, maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce the risk or severity. Regular dental exams, professional cleanings, and at-home care like brushing your cat’s teeth can support better oral health.
What are signs that my cat may need a dental procedure?
Look for symptoms such as:
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Tartar buildup
- Red or swollen gums
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty eating or dropping food
Even subtle changes in behavior, like hiding or irritability, can indicate dental disease. Early detection through regular exams and COHAT treatments is crucial.
How do I know if my cat’s teeth are causing pain?
Signs of oral pain in cats include:
- Pawing at the mouth
- Drooling excessively
- Bleeding from the gums
- Reduced interest in food
Cats are especially skilled at hiding discomfort, so routine dental care is the best way to detect and treat potential issues.
Will my cat need dental X-rays?
Yes, dental X-rays are essential for thorough dental care. Whole-mouth radiographs, performed under anesthesia, allow us to detect hidden issues like tooth root infections, bone loss, and tooth resorption.
Failing to take dental X-rays during procedures risks missing critical problems, which is widely regarded by modern veterinary professionals as malpractice. Without X-rays, your cat may leave with undiagnosed pain or untreated conditions.
How long does a cat dental cleaning take?
A dental cleaning is typically a day-long visit:
- Morning: Admission, blood work, and anesthesia preparation.
- Procedure: X-rays, a full oral exam, cleaning, and any necessary extractions.
- Recovery: Close monitoring with warm blankets and supportive care for comfort.
Your cat is carefully observed until fully awake and ready to return home.
What can make caring for my cat’s teeth easier?
- Start with gentle handling of your cat’s mouth early in life.
- Use cat-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste to introduce brushing gradually.
- Provide dental diets or treats designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
What products are best for my cat’s dental health?
We recommend VOHC-approved products for safe and effective care, including:
- Cat-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste (e.g., poultry or seafood flavors).
- Dental diets like Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d or similar options.
Why does my cat have bad breath?
Bad breath in cats often signals dental disease caused by bacterial growth. Schedule an exam so we can assess your cat’s oral health and recommend appropriate treatment.
What kinds of dental problems can cats have?
Common dental issues include:
- Periodontal disease
- Feline tooth resorption
- Stomatitis
- Tooth fractures
- Abscesses
- Oral tumors
Routine care helps catch and address these issues before they cause significant discomfort or complications.
Why might my cat need tooth extractions?
Tooth extractions may be necessary to relieve pain and prevent further complications. Common reasons include:
- Severe periodontal disease
- Tooth resorption
- Severe stomatitis
- Fractures
Our priority is always to eliminate pain and improve your cat’s quality of life.
Why is early detection of dental disease important?
Early diagnosis and treatment can:
- Reverse the effects of periodontal disease
- Prevent painful tooth resorption
- Avoid tooth extractions
Biannual exams and annual COHAT procedures are the best ways to ensure your cat’s dental health.
Why Choose The Hometown Veterinarian for Cat Dental Care?
At The Hometown Veterinarian, we’re committed to delivering the highest standard of dental care with a personal touch.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Comprehensive Expertise: We address every aspect of your cat’s dental health, from preventive care to advanced treatment.
- Advanced Technology: Using state-of-the-art digital radiographs, we accurately diagnose and treat hidden dental issues.
- Personalized Care: Every cat is unique, and we tailor our treatments to meet your pet’s specific needs.
- Emphasis on Safety and Comfort: Our team uses safe anesthesia practices, continuous monitoring, and proactive pain management to ensure a stress-free experience.
- Commitment to Ongoing Health: We provide guidance on at-home care and recommend the best products to maintain your cat’s oral health between professional visits.
For more information about pet dentistry at The Hometown Veterinarian or to set up an evaluation, call us at 641-758-3333 or click to Request an Appointment.