Dental problems in cats: signs, prevention and treatment

If your cat is eating less, perhaps withdrawing or seeming restless, this could be because it is suffering from toothache.

In fact, almost four in five cats over three years of age will experience dental problems at some point, as veterinary dentist Melanie Schwarze explains in the newsletter of the German Pet Supplies Industry Association (IVH).

Bad breath and weight loss

Further signs can include: the cat loses weight, has bad breath, drools excessively, shakes its head more frequently, has deposits on its teeth, or appears lethargic.

Because pet owners rarely consider that their cat might have dental problems, these are often only discovered incidentally during other examinations by the vet. In such cases, a referral to a specialist is usually made. Sometimes medication and a dental cleaning are sufficient.

FORL: teeth dissolve

The most common condition cats suffer from, however, is FORL, says Melanie Schwarze. This is an abbreviation for feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, meaning: the teeth dissolve from the root upwards.

This diagnosis is usually made with an X-ray, and the affected teeth must be extracted. Almost one in three cats is affected, and in older cats it is as many as one in two.

Preventing plaque and injuries

At least deposits on cats' teeth and injuries in the mouth can be prevented. Chewing dry food removes plaque. In addition, one can cats to dental care. This can be done with a finger brush or a special toothbrush and animal toothpaste. Domestic cats should also be discouraged from chewing on hard objects, so that sharp fragments do not break off and teeth do not chip.

Tip: Regularly check your cat's teeth. Are any teeth missing or damaged? Is the gum reddened, can you see tartar? In that case, you should visit the vet. Annual check-ups are generally advisable to treat problems of any kind in good time.