Cat teeth are at risk of diseases that closely resemble human tooth diseases. Although cats don’t totally chew their food like folks do, they are doing want their teeth to comfortably eat. Tooth disease does not get better by itself and leaves the cat in too much pain to eat properly. This may be probably lethal for a cat.

Consistent with Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook, the foremost common cat tooth disease is periodontal disease. This begins as a disease of the gums, gingivitis, which spreads to the teeth. Although gingivitis in cats is reversible, periodontal disease is not. Cats older than 8 will get oral cancer, that generally causes tumors in the teeth plus in the mouth and gums.

Gingivitis is caused by a bacterial build-up (plaque) within the gums and in between the teeth. This build-up is caused by decaying organic material like food. Wet food is particularly at risk of sticking in between the teeth and inflicting plaque. An injury to the gums or mouth can also introduce a bacterial infection, which can lead to periodontal disease. It’s unknown what causes mouth cancer in cats. 

A cat plagued by any feline tooth disease can lose its appetite, and when it does eat, can usually tilt its head to 1 side. Cats will also drool and have breath that smells a lot of foul than usual. The cat will also not be in a position to groom itself properly and begin to seem dirty and scruffy. If the cat features a damp neck or chest, then this is often most likely from drool. Blood may be mixed within the drool. The gums can be red, inflamed, bleeding or oozing pus. The cat will often struggle when somebody tries to check its mouth because of the pain. 

The ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats recommends feeding hard, crunchy food more than soft foods to help keep the teeth and gums free of tartar buildup. Cats need their teeth checked by a veterinarian at least once a year. This will be done as part of a routine check up. Several cats have tartar build-up thus quickly that their house owners must regularly brush the cat’s teeth with toothpaste created especially for cats. Discover cat teeth care here.