Gingivitis in cats: what causes it and how it's treated

Gingivitis is an inflammation of your cat's gums. The condition is a common health problem, affecting up to 85% of felines aged up to 4 years old. Although often ignored by owners due to its rather subtle accompanying symptoms, gingivitis can have serious consequences for the cat's general health.

Below, you can discover a detailed overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this condition.

• Gingivitis in cats: causes
• Gingivitis in cats: symptoms
• Gingivitis in cats: diagnosis
• Gingivitis in cats: treatment options
• Gingivitis in cats: management recommendations for owners
• Gingivitis in cats: prevention

Gingivitis in cats: causes

When it comes to gingivitis in cats, there are several possible causes for this condition:

• Lack of oral hygiene: Lack of regular tooth brushing and oral hygiene can lead to the accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar, considered the primary cause of gingivitis, just as in humans. Bacterial plaque is an adherent, transparent film that forms on the tooth surface and is rich in bacteria that can cause gum inflammation. When not removed in time, minerals are deposited on the bacterial plaque, forming tartar; often, this is located at the junction between the tooth and the gum, causing gum recession, periodontal disease, and, ultimately, tooth loss in cats;
• Improper diet: a diet rich in sugars or refined carbohydrates can promote the proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity and contribute to the formation of bacterial plaque, with all its harmful effects on the cat's teeth. Also, a diet where the cat primarily receives wet food favors the appearance of tartar;
• Chronic diseases: certain chronic diseases such as diabetes or kidney conditions can increase the risk of gingivitis in cats;
• Autoimmune diseases: some autoimmune diseases in cats can cause persistent inflammation of the gums;
• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): this is a viral infection that, along with other symptoms, can also present with persistent gingivitis.

If your cat shows worrying symptoms, the opinion of a veterinarian is irreplaceable. Ask the veterinarian about the signs that concern you, to determine the urgency of the situation and benefit from appropriate treatment as quickly as possible!

Gingivitis in cats: symptoms

Similar to other oral diseases in cats, gingivitis develops with suggestive local symptoms:

• Red, swollen, bleeding gums: the appearance of the cat's gums, especially in the area immediately around the teeth, is particularly suggestive when discussing gingivitis. Gum bleeding can occur spontaneously or after eating dry food or other hard foods;
• Bad breath: halitosis (bad breath) is a common symptom of gingivitis and frequently occurs in cats, especially in the absence of oral hygiene. The bacteria that make up plaque produce volatile compounds with an unpleasant odor, which can be easily detected by simply approaching the opened mouth (the cat's dentition);
• Tartar deposits on teeth: the accumulation of tartar, a hard, yellowish-brown substance, on the tooth surface is one of the major factors contributing to gingivitis. Tartar promotes bacterial proliferation and exacerbates gum inflammation;
• Difficulty chewing: a cat with gingivitis may experience pain or discomfort when chewing, showing a preference for soft foods or completely refusing to chew if given dry food;
• Excessive salivation: excessive salivation, medically termed sialorrhea, can often be observed in cats with gingivitis, even if its manifestations are more subtle than in dogs. The saliva can be frothy or clear;
• Loss of appetite: the pain associated with gingivitis in cats can lead to decreased appetite and cause the feline to lose weight;
• Other signs: the cat may show signs of agitation and nervousness, rubbing its cheeks against various objects, or difficulty grasping food.

Nutrition is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to your cat's health. There is a wide range of veterinary diets, recommended in various situations and for different age groups; see what suits your cat and discuss your veterinarian's recommendations!

Gingivitis in cats: diagnosis

The diagnosis of gingivitis in cats can be suspected by the owner through simple observation of the gums' appearance, but it requires confirmation from a veterinarian, who will also identify the causes of the disease and the optimal treatment.

The veterinarian will initially perform a clinical inspection of the feline's oral cavity to carefully visualize the gums and teeth. They will palpate the gums to assess their sensitivity and degree of inflammation, and probe the space between the gum and the tooth to determine the depth of periodontal pockets.

In some cases, the examination may include dental X-rays to evaluate the condition of the alveolar bone.

Gingivitis in cats: treatment options

Treatment for gingivitis in cats depends on several important factors: the causes of gingivitis, the cat's age, any underlying conditions, and other specifics you will discuss with your veterinarian. The severity of symptoms is also a factor to consider when establishing a treatment protocol.

Treatment of early-stage gingivitis

In mild cases of gingivitis, the veterinarian will primarily recommend professional scaling under general anesthesia to remove bacterial plaque and tartar from the tooth surface. The owner will receive recommendations to follow at home.

Treatment of severe gingivitis

In severe cases of gingivitis, dental X-rays are mandatory. This way, the doctor can decide in favor of extracting severely affected teeth that can no longer be saved. After the procedure, the cat will be treated with antibiotics to prevent severe bacterial infections and with anti-inflammatories to reduce local pain and control gum inflammation. In the long term, the owner will receive recommendations for supporting oral health.

Gingivitis in cats: management recommendations for owners

The owner plays an essential role in managing their cat's gingivitis. There are several directions the veterinarian will consider when making recommendations regarding gingivitis treatment.

Oral hygiene is extremely important for a cat with gingivitis. The diet must be adapted to its specific needs, also considering any other health problems. Post-intervention treatment must be strictly followed to ensure complete healing and avoid bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Immediately after tooth extractions, the veterinarian may recommend feeding the cat predominantly wet food to protect it from the effort of chewing.

When, what, and how much should a cat eat? Recommendations vary depending on numerous aspects: the cat's age, its physiological state, any existing conditions, its breed, its activity level, and so on. Here are some general recommendations about a healthy cat's diet; for personalized advice, contact your veterinarian!

Gingivitis in cats: prevention

Any doctor will tell you that it is simpler to prevent than to treat, and a veterinarian is no exception. Preventing gingivitis in cats is likely to ensure a longer and healthier life for felines.

Cleaning your cat's teeth

Cleaning your cat's teeth, in other words, oral hygiene, is essential for healthy gums and teeth.

Tooth brushing should be performed regularly, at least 2-3 times a week, using a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for cats. Although many cats are initially reluctant, the good taste of the toothpaste, the owner's gentleness and perseverance, and positive conditioning with tasty rewards at the end of the procedure will tame them.

The use of antibacterial or antiseptic solutions can help reduce the number of bacteria in the oral cavity and maintain gum health. However, it is important to note that any such initiative must be discussed with the veterinarian, who is the only one qualified to offer personalized advice.

Under no circumstances should oral hygiene products intended for humans be used on cats!

Cat's diet

Diet plays an important role in preventing tartar in cats. High-quality dry food can help mechanically clean teeth as the cat chews. It is recommended to choose a dry food with small, hard kibbles specifically designed to maintain oral health.

It is equally important to avoid sticky foods, such as sweets or various table scraps, which can promote plaque accumulation.

Regular veterinary check-ups

A responsible owner will schedule regular veterinary check-ups, every 6-12 months, to monitor the health of the cat's teeth.

It is important that you also monitor the condition of your cat's gums and contact the veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of inflammation, bleeding, or bad breath.

In many cases, a cat's lifespan depends on how well the owner has cared for it. Each stage of a cat's life is full of specific challenges, and the needs of an adolescent cat differ greatly from those of a senior. Find out the main stages of a cat's life and what you need to pay attention to in each of them!

Other recommendations

The cat should always have at least one source of fresh water available to stay properly hydrated. Additionally, water helps rinse the oral cavity and remove food debris. It is desirable for the water source to be placed away from the food bowl.

The cat needs a clean living environment, which can help reduce exposure to bacteria that can contribute to gingivitis. Furthermore, the veterinarian can provide additional recommendations, which we encourage you to follow completely, as they are tailored to your cat's specific needs.

Gingivitis in cats is an apparently minor health problem, but it can have a significant impact on the feline's quality of life. Correct oral hygiene, an adequate diet, and the support of a veterinarian are the little secrets that will help you have a healthy and happy cat!

Bibliography:

1. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-dental-disease
2. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/gingivitis-in-cats
3. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/gingivitis-and-stomatitis-in-cats
4. https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/what-to-know-about-gingivitis-in-cats

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