Cat Dental Care

Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases we diagnose in pets today. Plaque and tartar that build up on your pet’s teeth harbour bacteria, infecting gum tissue and the roots of the teeth. This causes bad breath, pain, disease and tooth loss. A severe dental disease is present in 85% of pets and can shorten lifespans by up to 2 years. Yearly dental exams – just like for us – are critical to your pet’s well-being.

What is involved in a dental cleaning procedure?

Our dental services include a comprehensive oral health assessment, teeth cleaning, polishing the teeth, dental x-rays, tooth extractions and oral surgery. All of our dental procedures are performed under a general anesthetic. This is the only way to clean your pet’s teeth below the gum line safely. Veterinarians and dental technicians act as a team to clean the teeth with an ultrasonic scaler and polish the teeth to create a smooth, lustrous tooth surface more resistant to plaque buildup. Fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity. At PetWorks we take all the precautions necessary. We offer exceptional patient care and safety under anesthesia is our top priority. We know that the risk of disease associated with periodontal problems far outweighs the risk of anesthesia.

What are signs of dental problems in cats?

Dental disease in cats is commonly associated with the accumulation of dental plaque (as a result of bacteria in the mouth) and tartar formation, this can lead to what is called ‘periodontal disease’ – a disease affecting the teeth and the structures around the teeth that support and keep them healthy. Plaque on the teeth harbours bacteria that can infect the gum tissue and the bone supporting the tooth in the jaw. The result is gingivitis and subsequent periodontal disease. Pets with periodontal disease have halitosis (bad breath), pain, tooth loss and can have organ disease (heart, liver, kidneys).

Are some breeds more susceptible than others?

Breed can be a contributing factor in the development of periodontal disease. Some cats (most commonly, but not exclusively, in pedigree breeds) such as Persian, Himalayan, and Siamese cats suffer increased rates of dental disease due to their jaw structure develop severe gingivitis with minimal signs of accompanying the dental disease.

What is feline tooth resorption?

Tooth resorption is a common condition that is caused by lesions that erode the enamel of a tooth and expose the painful tooth root. The best way of confirming the suspected presence of the condition consists of performing a full-mouth intra-oral radiograph.