What causes periodontal disease in cats?

Answers:
Hey Nancy,

Periodontal disease basically forms when pieces of food and bacteria group along the gumline. This causes plaque, which combines with minerals in saliva that in turn form tartar.

If the tartar isn't removed or cleaned, it can cause irritation to the gumline which develops into gingivitis.

Bad breath, swelling, redness are all signature signs of the problem.

Sometimes when the tartar isn't taken care of, it will group under the gums, which seperates from the teeth causing pockets. Since these pockets are basically bacteria collectors periodontal disease forms as a result.

This is typically when you see cats loosing teeth, and having abscesses.

If you'd like a more thorough explanation, try the following link:

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Periodontal disease is fairly common in humans too. It's caused by bacteria build up and severe gum infection. If you're trying to avoid dental problems with your cat you can brush their teeth occasionally (if they'll let you), feed your cat a food geared towards good dental health, and buy some toys that your cat can chew on. I assume this type of disease would be very hard to treat in cats and dogs, because it's so difficult to have dental work done on them without sedation.

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There appears to be something of a genetic tendency to it in some breeds, and some lines of cats. It used to be an argument of wet versus dry, but there is many a cat on an all dry diet whose teeth are worse than those on all canned food.

A good idea is to start a kitten out young, with teeth brushing. This can be done with just a brush, or the fingertip brush and flavored cat toothpaste.

Also good for dental health, is the Oxyfresh oral hygeine solution which can be added to their water, and the paste which is rubbed on the gums. You can find their products at www.oxyfreshww.com

For those who prefer natural options, the herbal remedy fragaria will reduce and eliminate tartar build-up which can irritate already inflamed gums. This comes in a tiny pill that can be added to a quart of water and used to refill their dish. It should be purchased in 30C potency, as opposed to 30X for purity.

Gingivitis and tartar often occur at the same time. An affected cat may need a dental cleaning, and then a good regimen of gum and tooth care to prevent a reoccurence.

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Esther's explanation is great. My vet recommended NOT feeding my cat canned food all the time. Science Diet has a dry food specifically to remove tartar. Dry food seems to be better than wet food in preventing periodontal disease, but any cat can get it any time. I have to mention that they have little toothbrushes that will fit on your finger and fishy-tasting toothpaste for cats. However, I'd lose my finger if I tried this on my cat. Something like that has to be started from the beginning of his life.