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Canine and Feline Dental Health

Feline Oral Health

Dental disease in cats is primarily caused by plaque and tartar accumulation, which harbor harmful bacteria. Plaque forms naturally but can mineralize into tartar within 36–48 hours, creating a rough surface that promotes further bacterial growth. Contributing factors include tooth crowding, insufficient oral hygiene, and shifts in oral bacterial populations.

Signs of Feline Dental Disease

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  • Pawing at the mouth, head shaking, or jaw chattering

  • Dropping food while eating

  • Excessive drooling, sometimes with blood

  • Bad breath (halitosis)

  • Reluctance to eat or preference for soft foods

  • Weight loss due to decreased appetite

  • Chewing on one side of mouth

Feline Stomatitis

Feline stomatitis, also known as feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), is a debilitating condition characterized by widespread inflammation of the oral mucosa, including the gums, cheeks, lips, tongue, and throat. Unlike simple gingivitis, which is limited to the gumline, stomatitis extends beyond the mucogingival line and can involve submucosal tissues, making it extremely painful and often interfering with eating, grooming, and overall quality of life.

Below are healthy teeth and gums for a cat. Gums should be pink and teeth white. There should be little if any abnormal odor.

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Symptoms

  • Severe oral pain and reluctance to eat or drink

  • Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth

  • Foul breath (halitosis)

  • Weight loss due to reduced food intake

  • Unkempt fur from decreased grooming

  • Ulceration and redness throughout the mouth, including gums, cheeks, and throat

Treatment

  • Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications

  • Antibiotics or antiviral therapy if infections are present

  • Home care such as tooth brushing and chlorhexidine rinses

  • Surgical intervention (removing all teeth)

Below is a cat's mouth affected by Stomatitis. The gums are red and swollen. Some gingival recession and odor. This can be very painful.

Canine Oral Health

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions in dogs, with over 80% of dogs older than three years showing signs of active dental disease, most commonly periodontal disease. Small breeds and brachycephalic dogs are particularly prone due to jaw size and tooth crowding. Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, and can progress to periodontitis, where infection spreads to the supporting bone and ligaments, potentially causing tooth loss

Symptoms

  • Bad breath (halitosis) 

  • Pawing at the mouth, head shaking, or jaw chattering

  • Difficulty eating, dropping food, or excessive drooling

  • Bleeding in saliva or gums

  • Loose or fractured teeth in advanced cases

  • Tartar and Calculi build up

  • Gum recession

Healthy Teeth

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Healthy teeth in dogs and cats appear white with little to no tartar build up. Gums appear pink with no recession.  There is very little if any odor.

Tartar Build up

Above is a dog with moderate tartar and calculi build up. This is a build up of bacteria, calcium and saliva. This can range from early to severe. 

Brushing and Oral Care

Deciduous Teeth

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Deciduous teeth are retained baby teeth. Retained teeth can cause faster build up on the canines. Baby teeth normally fall out as the adult teeth are coming in. These should be removed so it doesn't cause more issues.

Dental Prophylaxis

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It is recommended to brush your pet's teeth once to twice a week. There are many products that can be used to help keep your pet's teeth healthy.

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  • Toothpaste - (specifically for pets)  there are multiple flavors without fluoride

  • Many styles of toothbrushes for pets

  • Water additives

  • Dental bones and treats​

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All of these can help your pet with healthy oral care.

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We provide dental cleaning for dogs and cats. This cleans up all the teeth removing all tartar and calculi that has built up. 

 

Pets are place under anesthesia and then we use ultrasonic scaling to remove all tartar and then polish. All teeth that are compromised, root exposed or loose are extracted. 

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