Dental Disease, Feline - contd.
Dental diseases effect all animals -- including humans -- but cats can develop certain dental problems that are unique and very painful. All animals develop bacterial plaque on their teeth, which hardens to form calculus or tartar. The calculus then leads to inflammation of the gum tissue called gingivitis. As the gingivitis worsens, the gums begin to become swollen, easily damaged, and can bleed.
Without treatment, the gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. This is a condition where the inflammation goes beyond the gumline and extends deep into the tooth pocket and jawbone in which the teeth rest. Bacteria often overgrow and can cause an infection called an abscess. Periodontitis is a very painful condition for cats and they will usually show signs of discomfort when the dental disease has reached this stage.
Cats can develop a condition unique to them called external root resorption, commonly known as "neck" lesions. When this condition occurs, inflammatory substances begin to eat away at the tooth, forming cavitations or holes along the gumline and leaving the sensitive part of the tooth, the dentin, exposed and easily stimulated. At this point, the tooth may become weak and break off, leaving the roots behind in the bone. The roots can become attached to the jawbone by the continuing bony reaction, resulting in pain and discomfort.
Some cats can develop another severe dental disease called stomatitis, which is the formation of painful ulcers in the mouth. This condition can accompany severe gingivitis and periodontitis, or it can occur because of other diseases such as calicivirus, feline leukemia virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus. Every cat with stomatitis should be tested for these viruses.
