February 2010
IS SMALL ANIMAL DENTAL MONTH
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For all Small Animal Dental Procedures

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What are the factors that influence dental disease?

One of the main factors determining the amount of tartar buildup is the individual chemistry in the mouth. Some cats need yearly cleanings; other cats need a cleaning only once every few years.

Diet plays a more minor role in the development of tartar accumulation than most people think.

Dry food is not as sticky as canned food, and does not adhere to the teeth as much. For this reason it does not cause tartar buildup as rapidly. Eating dry food however, does not remove tartar from the teeth. Once tartar forms, a professional cleaning is necessary.

Other known risk factors for feline dental disease are the feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Severe disease of the teeth and gums can alert the veterinarian to test for these diseases.

What does it do to my cat?

In some cases, owners are unaware that their cat has dental disease. The problem may be identified with a routine physical examination or during investigation of another problem.

In other situations, the probability of dental disease is apparent to the owner. The cat may have very bad breath (halitosis), difficulty eating, or changes in temperament.

What are the causes?

Many different disorders can lead to dental disease in the cat. In general, the veterinarian will try to determine whether the problem is limited to the oral cavity or has developed as a consequence of another disease.

How do we know how much disease is present?

Diagnosis of dental disease is usually very straightforward. In most cases, the true extent of the disease cannot be determined unless the cat is under anesthesia. This facilitates a more complete examination of the oral cavity.

How is it treated?

Proper cleaning of the teeth requires complete cooperation of the patient so that plaque and tartar can be removed properly. Anesthesia is required to thoroughly clean the teeth. Many owners have a high degree of anxiety related to general anesthesia for their cats. Anesthesia can be stressful, particularly for older cats or cats with compromised health. While there is always a degree of risk with any anesthetic, be aware that the cat's health may ultimately be compromised by delaying proper dental care.

To minimize risk, some hospitals use modern anesthetics (some of which are deemed safe even for older cats). Also, depending on your cat's age and general health status, various tests can be performed prior to anesthesia to detect health problems that might affect the cat under anesthesia.

The four steps in the cleaning process used on cats:

Scaling - Removes the tartar above and below the gum line. This is done with hand instruments and ultrasonic cleaning equipment. The tartar which is under the gums must be removed for a dental cleaning to be complete.

Polishing - Smooths the surface of the teeth, making them resistant to additional plaque formation.

Flushing - Removes dislodged tartar from the teeth and helps to remove the bacteria that accompany tartar.

Fluoride Coating - Decreases teeth sensitivity, strengthens enamel, and decreases the rate of future plaque formation.

Can my cat's teeth be saved?

In the early stages of dental disease, the problems may be reversible. At some point, however, even cleaning cannot restore the mouth to normal. This is not a reason to avoid cleaning!

The prognosis is worsened if tartar is left on the teeth indefinitely. Some of the consequences of delayed dental care are:

The tartar will mechanically push the gums away from the roots of the teeth. This allows the teeth to loosen in their sockets and infection to enter the root socket. The teeth will loosen and fall out or have to be extracted.

Infection will accumulate in the mouth, resulting in gingivitis (gums), tonsillitis, and pharyngitis (sore throat). Although antibiotics may temporarily suppress the infection, if the tartar is not removed from the teeth, infection will return quickly.

Infection within the mouth will be picked up by the blood stream and carried to other parts of the body. Kidney and heart infections frequently begin in the mouth.

How can I prevent this from recurring?

Several preventive measures can be recommended to aid in oral hygiene for the cat by your vet.

Seek regular veterinary care and have the teeth cleaned when advised.

Try to maintain home dental care including brushing the teeth. Special toothbrushes and flavored toothpastes are available.

Use a tartar control diet (available through most clinics). It can be used as a maintenance diet or as a treat. It will not clean the teeth but will prolong the interval between professional cleanings (under anesthesia).