February is Dental Awareness Month

Somewhere between the ages of 2 and 4, 70% of cats will have developed some degree of periodontal disease.

We humans brush our teeth 1-2 times a day and have our teeth professionally cleaned 1-2 times a year.  And yet the dental hygienist usually finds a couple of areas that require more scraping than others.

So it is not hard to see that our pets, who rarely, if at all, have their teeth brushed at home, will have plaque and tartar build up.  Tartar is composed of plaque and bacteria. 

Other problems we see are gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), gingival recession (erosion of the gum line), pyorrhea (infection of the tooth/gum), broken teeth, and a condition seen only in cats called FORL (Feline Oral Resorptive Lesion).  FORL is a condition where the enamel erodes, exposing the pulp cavity and sensitive nerves.  It is very painful to the cat.  The cause is unknown so there is no preventive measure.  The only treatment is to extract the whole tooth.

Because bacteria are a component of tartar, it is not unusual for a cat to have a bacterial infection in the mouth when tartar is found.  The infection causes inflammation and pain and is also a source of infection for the rest of the body.  The bacteria in the mouth can get into the blood stream from the inflamed gums and travel to the heart valves and other organs.  Bacteria can also cause the root of the tooth to die; if this happens, the tooth must be extracted.

Periodontium is the collective term for the four components that surround and protect each tooth.  It is comprised of the 1)Gum/Gingiva  whose job it is to form a seal around the crown of the tooth and keep bacteria from going deeper toward the root. 2)Cementum- this is a thin covering around the tooth’s root. 3)Alveolar bone- this is the part of the jaw where the root sits and 4) thePeriodontal Ligament- this structure attaches the cementum to the alveolar bone and acts as a shock absorber.

Now you know that when the term Periodontal Disease is used, it entails more than just some tartar and gingivitis.  It is about the health of the tooth, the comfort of your cat.  Below the gum line is where the damage is occurring.  Gum inflammation and erosion, infection deep around the root and into the root, loss of the bone that holds the teeth in, loss of the periodontal ligament which loses its shock absorption and ability to keep the tooth in place.  All leading to not only infection and pain locally but eventually affecting many other body functions and general well being.

Part of every physical exam at Metro Cat Clinic is an examination of the teeth and mouth.   Recommendations for dental care are based on what is found during this exam.  A thorough mouth exam is not usually possible without sedating the cat.

Dental prophylaxis (thorough exam and cleaning) requires general anesthesia (sedation).  We wrap the cat in a towel and hold a face mask over the mouth and nose to deliver a gas anesthesia.  When the cat is totally sedated a tube is placed in the trachea (windpipe) and the gas anesthesia is delivered to the lungs for continuous sedation.  A heart monitor is attached to one of the cat’s feet, and the cat’s heart rate is monitored throughout the procedure.  Every cat gets a penicillin injection (unless previous allergy to penicillin has been noted) to prevent any problems from bacteria stirred up during the cleaning.  Tartar is removed using both a hand scaler and an ultrasonic scaler.  The teeth are then polished and a fluoride treatment is applied.

If any teeth are removed, your cat will get pain medications and extra antibiotics to be given at home.

We perform dentals Monday through Friday.  You will be instructed to not feed your cat past the time you go to bed the night before the appointment.  We ask that you drop you cat off between 7:30 and 8:30 the morning of the procedure.  Most cats are awake and eating within 10-15 minutes of being taken off anesthesia. We will call you at the number you leave for us when your cat is ready to go home.

If we have recommended a dental for your cat and you have not made an appointment for the procedure, February may the time for you to do so.  We will discount the dental prophylaxis and any needed extractions by 10%.  Required blood work for cats over 8 years of age, extra pain medication, and extra antibiotics other than the penicillin injection will not be discounted.

Give Carrie or Danielle (our receptionists) a call and set up the appointment.  205-985-2023