Dental health is a core part of our cats’ wellness. But sometimes, this area is often overlooked and forgotten. In many cats, their teeth and gum health aren’t given enough attention, resulting in severe health consequences.
Some cats don’t show it until it gets worse: red gums, a slight bleeding, maybe a flinch when eating. That’s gingivitis. It’s gum inflammation, and it's usually the first red flag before deeper dental problems start.
In this blog, we’ll talk about feline gingivitis, from what it is to how it’s treated and prevented.
What Is Gingivitis in Cats?
This dental condition is the result of poor dental health. It all starts with plaque. Essentially, plaque is a sticky mix of bacteria and food particles. When it’s left alone, it turns into a much harder version called tartar.
Now, tartar is much more serious. Since it’s harder, it can cause irritation in the cat’s gums and teeth. This can result in severe gum inflammation, redness, pain, and tooth loss. When this gets even worse, untreated feline gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is considerably severe, especially since it also causes other health issues alongside the initial dental problems. This includes heart and kidney damage.
Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s talk about the differences between a similar condition called stomatitis.
Gingivitis vs Stomatitis: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to differentiate gingivitis from feline stomatitis. Here’s a quick comparison:
Condition | Gingivitis | Stomatitis |
|---|---|---|
Definition | Inflammation of the gums | Chronic inflammation affecting the entire mouth, beyond the gums |
Severity | Mild to moderate | Severe and often painful |
Areas Affected | Gums only | Gums, cheeks, tongue, and sometimes the roof of the mouth |
Treatment | Dental cleaning, plaque control, home care | May require full-mouth tooth extractions, immune-modulating drugs |
Prognosis | Good with early treatment and regular care | Variable; often needs lifelong management and specialist care |
What Are the Stages of Dental Disease in Cats?
Now let’s talk about how this disease progresses. Gingivitis in cats is the first stage, followed by other stages, eventually leading to periodontitis. Here’s what it looks like:
Stage | Name | What Happens | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mild Gingivitis | Gums are slightly inflamed. No tartar yet | 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 start. Tooth support weakens slightly. | Pain while eating, drooling, and pawing at the mouth. |
4 | Advanced Periodontitis | Severe bone and tissue loss. Teeth may become loose or fall out. | Refusal to eat, extreme mouth pain, and visible tooth damage. |
What Causes Gingivitis in Cats?
Gingivitis, just like any other dental disorder in cats, doesn’t just show up one day. It’s usually the result of multiple things happening over time.
Plaque and Tartar Buildup
When cats eat food, there’s a high chance that they might get stuck on their teeth. This will then be a food source for bacteria, leading to plaque. If this is left alone, the plaque can worsen, hardening into tartar and causing irritation.
Poor Dental Hygiene
If a cat’s dental care is not given enough attention, the risk of plaque and tartar buildup increases significantly. This not only means a lack of regular brushing at home, but also includes not having annual dental exams and professional dental cleaning.
Infections
The most common cause of gingivitis in cats is bacterial growth. However, viral infections can also contribute to the disease by either compromising the immune system or causing severe oral inflammation. This includes viruses such as feline calicivirus and feline immunodeficiency virus.
Age and Genetics
Age is generally a common factor when it comes to diseases, as the risk of many conditions, including feline gingivitis, increases with age. Plus, genetic factors can also influence a cat’s susceptibility to this gum disease.
Some breeds, such as Persian cats and British Shorthairs, have crowded teeth. This will increase the risk of plaque and tartar buildup, requiring more attention to their dental health.
Other Dental and Health Conditions
Other types of dental conditions, such as fractured teeth, tooth resorption, and malocclusions, can increase the chances of a cat getting gingivitis. Plus, systemic disorders like kidney disease and feline diabetes can also contribute.
What Are the Symptoms of Cat Gingivitis?
The symptoms won’t be noticeable at first, but they’ll slowly progress in severity when the disease is left untreated. Here’s what you can expect.
Red and Swollen Gums. Check the gumline. If it looks puffy or bleeds a little during brushing, that’s a possible sign of gingivitis in cats.
Bad Breath. Affected cats will also have foul or sharp breath, indicating bacterial overgrowth.
Drooling. If you notice thick saliva or wet spots, it’s a sign of oral discomfort. This can happen because of gum inflammation.
Changes in Eating Habits. Because of the pain, some cats may lose interest in food or favor chewing on one side of the mouth.
Behavioral Changes. Cats with gingivitis will often display negative behavioral changes that indicate pain and discomfort.
Pawing at the Mouth. A cat that’s pawing at its mouth may be trying to relieve pain or irritation in the gums.
How Do Vets Diagnose Gingivitis in Cats?
Diagnosing gingivitis in cats requires a detailed evaluation by our pet dentists. While symptoms like swollen gums are clear signs, it’s important to have a thorough assessment of your cat’s gingivitis. Here’s how we do it:
Veterinary Oral Examination
During the dental checkup, our vets will carefully inspect your cat’s mouth for signs of inflammation, redness, and tartar buildup. This initial inspection will give us an idea of how far the gingivitis issue is in your cat.
Additionally, this examination is often accompanied by dental cleaning. This involves using anesthesia and specialized tools to not only have a closer look but also to provide professional cleaning services for your cat’s teeth. Next, we can proceed to a few tests.
Dental X-Rays. Sometimes, what’s going on below the surface matters most. That’s why we may suggest dental X-rays. They help us spot things you can’t see just by looking, like tooth resorption, hidden infections, or early signs of bone loss.
Periodontal Probing. Using specialized tools, we measure the depth of gum pockets to assess the severity of the disease. If the space is larger than 1 mm, then this can be a sign of feline gingivitis.
Blood Tests. If we think something deeper is driving your cat’s gum problems, we’ll likely run some blood tests. These help confirm any underlying conditions and also give us a clearer picture of your cat’s overall health before moving forward with treatment.
How Do You Treat Gingivitis in Cats?
Treating this condition means focusing on the main cause, alleviating the symptoms, and managing your cat’s dental care.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Our vets will perform a thorough cleaning of your cat’s teeth and gums. This will include cleaning, scaling, and polishing under general anesthesia. By removing plaque and tartar buildup, we can eliminate a huge section of the problem and prevent future problems.
Medications
If a bacterial infection is contributing to your cat's gingivitis, we may also prescribe antibiotics. In cases where gum inflammation is severe, anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to alleviate pain and swelling.
Plus, we’ll also recommend other supportive medications to help relieve pain and promote healing. For cats with stomatitis or immune-mediated gingivitis, medications like cyclosporine may be prescribed long-term.
All of these will contribute to your cat’s recovery and are available at our vet pharmacy.
Tooth Extractions
If gingivitis has progressed to the point where certain teeth are causing persistent issues, tooth extractions might be necessary. This is more common in advanced periodontal disease or in cases involving tooth resorption.
Gingivitis in Cats Home Treatment
Home care is an important part of your cat’s recovery from gingivitis. This may include daily brushing, switching diets, and providing a comfortable space.
Daily brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste is recommended to help clean the teeth. It’s the most effective way to control plaque buildup.
Switching to a dental-friendly diet or kibble formulated to reduce plaque buildup can also support oral health. Look for diets that:
Are VOHC-approved
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
Additionally, make sure to follow our vets’ treatment schedule and come back for follow-up checkups on your cat’s condition.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Gingivitis in Cats
Preventing gingivitis in cats is far easier than treating advanced dental disease. Here’s how you can do it:
Brush Your Cat’s Teeth
Regular teeth brushing is one of the best ways to prevent plaque buildup. Use a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by our vets. Start slowly, allowing your cat to get accustomed to the process, and aim for a few brushing sessions per week.
If you need help, our professional dental cleaning services are able to provide thorough cleaning for your cat.
Provide Dental Treats and Toys
Dental treats and toys are designed to reduce plaque and tartar while being enjoyable for your cat. Look for products that are safe for cats, products you can easily find at our vet pharmacy.
Feed a Dental-Friendly Diet
Some cat foods are formulated specifically for oral health. These diets often include kibble, which is designed to help your best friend avoid any plaque buildup and can aid in avoiding gingivitis in cats.
Schedule Regular Dental Exams
Routine exams can catch early signs of gingivitis in cats and prevent it from progressing into advanced dental disease.
“Protecting our cats’ smiles means giving them a better chance for good health and more adventures.”
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
Caring for your cat’s dental health is an essential part of keeping their overall well-being in good condition. Gingivitis in cats is a common yet preventable condition that, when caught early, can be treated effectively.
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