Key Takeaways
Cats may develop gingivitis due to unmanaged plaque accumulation. This can be prevented by routine dental cleaning.
Late-stage periodontal disease in cats cannot be reversed and can only be managed.
Professional cleaning involves a complex oral examination, dental probing and X-rays, scaling, polishing, and charting.
Summary
Feline gingivitis results from poor dental health. It's a term for the inflammation and swelling of the cat's gums caused by a buildup of bacterial plaque. This dental disease is reversible and is the earliest stage of periodontal disease when it's treated urgently.
Tartar occurs when plaque buildup is not treated. It's a hardened version that leads to significant irritation in the gums and teeth, resulting in gum inflammation, pain, and even tooth loss.
Symptoms of gingivitis in cats
If you notice these changes in your cat's mouth, feline gingivitis is likely.
Red and swollen gums
Mouth irritation and oral pain
Persistent bad breath
Pawing at the mouth
Yellowing teeth or visible brown buildup
Dropping food or chewing on one side of the mouth
Excessive drooling and negative behavioral shifts
Stages of Dental Disease
Mild gingivitis in cats is the first stage and may progress to more severe, painful stages. Here's a quick explanation by Dr. Inês, one of our specialists in animal dentistry.
Stage | Name | What Happens | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mild Gingivitis | Gums are slightly inflamed. No tartar yet, and the tooth root is not affected. | Slight redness at the gumline and bad breath. |
2 | Moderate Gingivitis | Plaque and soft tartar begin to build up. Gums may bleed. | Redder gums, mild discomfort, and odor. |
3 | Early Periodontitis | Gum recession begins. Bone loss may begin, and infection can affect the periodontal ligament. | Pain while eating, drooling, and pawing at the mouth. |
4 | Advanced Periodontitis | Major bone and tissue loss. Loose teeth become apparent and may require extraction. | Refusal to eat, extreme mouth pain, and visible tooth damage. |
Causes
The primary cause of feline gingivitis is untreated plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that can collect on the tooth surface and along the cat's gumline. This hardens into tartar that significantly irritates and infects the gum tissue.
Viral Infections. While poor dental hygiene is the leading cause, underlying viral infections from feline leukemia virus and feline calicivirus may be involved through oral inflammation.
Genetics and Autoimmune Conditions: Some cats also have certain traits or autoimmune diseases that cause their gums to overreact to even small amounts of normal bacteria. This causes a condition known as feline stomatitis.
Crowded or Misaligned Teeth. Other breeds may even have crowded and misaligned teeth that make it easy for plaque to form. Common examples include Persians, Himalayans, and Burmese cats. In younger cats, juvenile onset gingivitis can appear as adult teeth erupt.
Dental Issues. Other types of dental conditions, such as fractured teeth and tooth resorption, can contribute to a cat getting gingivitis.
Systemic Diseases. Additionally, diseases such as diabetes, uremia, and kidney disease can compromise a cat's immune system and alter the oral chemistry, resulting in a susceptibility to gingivitis.
How Our Vets Diagnose
"Dental exams provide an accurate diagnosis. We'll look for the initial signs of gum inflammation, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding," says Dr. Salome. Your cat will be placed under anesthesia so we can use a special periodontal probe to measure the depth of the gum pockets and assess the damage.
If the space is larger than 1 mm, it can be a sign of feline gingivitis.
"To determine if the condition has progressed into periodontal disease, we utilize dental X-rays to reveal root infections, bone loss, and tooth resorption," says Dr. Inês.
Professional dental care and oral examinations allow us to monitor your cat's teeth. If the problem stems from other parts of the body, we may run bloodwork, urine tests, or viral screening.
Treatment
Gingivitis treatment focuses on removing accumulated plaque and dental calculus during a professional cleaning. Dental cleaning is performed under general anesthesia using an ultrasonic scaler, allowing us to reach every tooth surface and the area below the gum line.
Polishing will be performed to smooth the tooth surface and prevent plaque from sticking easily.
Treating your cat's gingivitis also involves specific medications, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain relief medicines, especially in severe cases. For cats with stomatitis or immune-mediated gingivitis, medications like cyclosporine may be prescribed long-term.
If gingivitis has progressed to the point where tooth extraction is needed, the affected teeth will be removed. This is more likely in severe gingivitis, advanced periodontal disease, or in cases involving tooth resorption.
How to prevent gingivitis in cats
Brush your cat's teeth. Daily brushing is ideal, but brushing 2-3 times a week is also effective for preventing plaque buildup. Use a pet-safe toothpaste and avoid giving human toothpaste. Your cat's oral health at home must be consistently improved.
Dry food can also help. Specially formulated dental cat foods can aid in reducing plaque accumulation. Look for diets that are:
Recognized by the Veterinary Oral Health Council
Contain sodium hexametaphosphate or zinc-ascorbate to help reduce tartar
Feature a larger kibble size or abrasive texture to promote mechanical cleaning
Include added fiber or polyphosphates to bind calcium and slow tartar formation
Dental treats and toys are also useful to reduce plaque and tartar buildup while being enjoyable for cats.
Routine dental care at the clinic is highly recommended. Professional dental cleanings should also be scheduled at least once a year. If your cat has an existing problem or is prone to feline gum disease, schedule them every 6-9 months.
“Protecting our cats’ smiles means giving them a better chance for good health and more adventures. Let's reverse gingivitis today.”
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Caring for your cat's dental health is an essential part of their overall well-being. Having a good brushing routine at home is crucial. Combine this with annual dental cleanings, and your cat will have a significantly reduced risk of periodontal disease.
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