Your cat Morty has a rather unconventional view on feline dental health. Morty just wants clean, functional choppers that allow him to chow down on his food every day….and perhaps a mouse on occasion. While you’d like Morty to enjoy his food, you’d also like him to avoid several feline dental diseases. Good thing your veterinarian from Cumberland County can provide Morty with excellent dental care. Read more about feline dental health problems and solutions.

Periodontitis Bothers Cats

Periodontitis isn’t a picky dental disease, as it affects both human and feline victims. In fact, periodontitis is the most common feline dental malady. This condition develops when plaque, a soft mixture of food, saliva, and bacteria, assaults Morty’s teeth and gums. Even worse, plaque eventually hardens into tartar, which typically irritates tooth and root tissues. If Morty develops periodontitis, you’ll first notice his reddened gums, or gingivitis. Next, look for abscesses and infections around those compromised teeth. Poor Morty might suffer from bleeding, pain, tooth loss, and terrible breath. Since Morty’s gums have become weakened, bacteria can enter his bloodstream and can impact his heart and kidneys.

FORLs Affect Your Cat’s Mouth

Morty’s mouth can also be affected by feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, or FORLs. Simply put, these are cavities on teeth sides near the gum lines. As each “kitty cavity” erodes a tooth, the poor tooth can break; or its pulp can become infected. Even worse, Morty can suffer from severe, painful gum inflammation from a FORLs attack.

Regular Exams Are Key

Frequent dental exams provide the foundation for good feline dental health. These exams, which the vet always performs during Morty’s checkups, can also uncover developing problems that require treatment. Even if Morty has an exam scheduled, get him in sooner if he has trouble eating, starts to drool, or suddenly has foul-smelling breath.

Cleaning and Polishing

If Morty has tartar accumulation or gingivitis, the vet will recommend that you have your cat’s teeth cleaned immediately. While Morty snoozes under anesthesia, the vet will carefully scrub your cat’s tooth surfaces, even cleaning under the gum lines. To discourage new plaque from sticking to his nice clean teeth, Morty will also receive a tooth polishing treatment.

Home Toothbrushing Regimen

To help prevent future plaque buildup, learn to brush Morty’s outside tooth surfaces while keeping your fingers safe. Following your vet’s instructions, brush Morty’s teeth daily using specially flavored toothpaste. Stay away from human toothpaste, as you don’t want to irritate Morty’s mouth or disturb his stomach. By following your Cumberland County vet’s instructions, Morty will eventually experience decreased mouth discomfort. You should also notice an improvement in Morty’s breath, making his morning kisses much more pleasant.