Periodontitis, or periodontal disease, is one of the most common conditions in the oral cavity of cats. It is estimated that nearly 80% of cats over the age of three are affected. Periodontitis in cats is the leading cause of tooth loss. However, it is not the only consequence of the disease.
If not treated early, periodontitis can lead to local infections, affect structures near the mouth such as the nasal cavity and eyes, cause diseases in other organs such as the kidneys and heart, and even result in sepsis, which can be fatal due to the rapid spread of bacteria and inflammatory mediators through the animal's bloodstream.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease in which bacteria play a fundamental role.
Bacteria naturally exist in the oral cavity and, under normal circumstances, should not pose a problem. However, the accumulation of bacteria over time—together with food particles and saliva—forms a film called dental plaque. This condition arises as a response of the individual’s body to the presence of this plaque.
Periodontitis begins when the bacteria in the mouth form plaque on the surface of the teeth. After a short time, minerals in the saliva bind to the plaque, forming dental calculus (tartar). Bacteria then advance beneath the gums, causing inflammation that, in its early stages, is known as gingivitis.
Once under the gums, bacteria continue to affect the periodontium—the tissue that supports the teeth—leading to the loss of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. This results in tooth mobility, tooth loss, or abscesses. In advanced stages, it can cause communications with the nasal cavity, eye conditions, or—as previously mentioned—affect other organs and systems.
Symptoms of Periodontitis in Cats
Periodontal disease is progressive and does not present clear clinical symptoms in its early stages. Therefore, diagnosis in felines requires a thorough veterinary examination under anesthesia.
However, there are some signs that may alert us to feline periodontitis:
· Halitosis (bad breath)
· Gum inflammation and/or bleeding
· Difficulty chewing
· Loose teeth
· Excessive drooling
· Food refusal
Diagnosis of Periodontitis
To provide an accurate diagnosis, a complete oral examination under general anesthesia is necessary, along with intraoral X-rays.
Dental radiographs allow us to assess the condition of the root and the supporting structures of the tooth (bone and periodontal ligament), which are difficult to examine through visual inspection alone.
Treatment of Periodontitis
Treatment should be prescribed by a veterinarian based on the severity of the disease. In mild cases, it can be managed with at-home dental hygiene.
Moderate disease without periodontium damage may be treated with an intervention to reverse the damage. This treatment typically involves a dental cleaning under general anesthesia. The procedure includes ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar, followed by polishing to eliminate plaque and smooth the tooth surface.
In advanced cases, however, it may be necessary to extract the affected teeth to prevent bacteria from spreading to other organs. There are also periodontal regeneration techniques that can help slow the progression of the disease.
How to Prevent Feline Periodontitis
Home dental care and hygiene, combined with a balanced and controlled diet, is the most effective way to prevent periodontitis.
Dental care should begin early, including daily brushing of your cat’s teeth using specific toothbrushes and toothpaste. If your pet doesn’t tolerate brushing, oral rinses—mainly composed of chlorhexidine—can be used as an alternative.
There are also various commercial foods that help keep plaque and tartar away from your pet's teeth. However, as with human medicine, these products should never replace brushing.
Another highly effective way to prevent this disease is through regular veterinary checkups for a thorough examination of your cat's mouth.
As mentioned, periodontal disease does not show clear symptoms in its early stages. For this reason, maintaining good oral health and watching for any changes in your cat’s behavior, along with regular veterinary checkups, is essential for early treatment.
Oral cavity health is essential to maintaining an optimal state of health in our cats. At IVeM, we care about their well-being and specialize in oral health. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us here.
