Edmonds Veterinary Hospital Dental Care

Cat Dental Care

It is estimated that 85% of all cats have dental disease, yet only about 3% of pets receive regular dental care. Dental disease is typically categorized into four grades or stages, increasing in severity. As dental disease progresses, pockets form under the gums providing a haven for bacteria to buildup and enter the blood stream affecting the heart, liver and kidneys.

Please visit our main Dental Page for information regarding general questions about anesthesia, bloodwork, dental x-rays, etc. for both cats and dogs.

Frequently Asked Dental Questions:

Q. My pets veterinarian just told me my cat has a FORL. What is that? Click here!

Q. What is Stomatitis? Click here!

Q. Is it really possible to brush my cat's teeth? Click here!

Q. For questions about anesthesia, x-rays and general dental information-Click here!

What is a FORL?

FORL is the acronym for a Feline Ondoclastic Resorbtive Lesion. Often it is simply described as a cavity, however the cause of FORLs is unknown. FORL lesions are the result of the tooth structure dissolving. FORLs are extremely painful and will cause a cat to salivate more, stop or have difficulty eating or the gums may bleed. Most importantly cats are masters of masking pain and discomfort and do not exhibit any signs of discomfort or pain. It is estimated that cats over the age of 5 have a 72% chance of having a FORL.

What is Stomatitis?

Stomatitis is inflammation of the mouth and is thought to be an immune related disease in cats. Typically there is moderate to severe gingivitis and periodontitis (inflammation and bleeding) and hyperplasia (overgrowth of tissue) which usually affects the areas around molars and pre-molars. Like FORLs this is extremely painful.

Brushing a cat's teeth is possible!

Tooth brushing is the best way to keep a cats mouth and teeth healthy, yet many people feel that it is impossible to brush them. Our own team member Shannon routinely brushes her cat Ellessar's teeth with great success. To date he has avoided the necessity of an anesthetic dental procedure. Following a step by step process, you can brush your cat's teeth. Here's how!

* First get a tooth brush that is designed for a cat. There are several types available that are so much easier than trying with a human or baby toothbrush
* Select a toothpaste designed for animals. Pet toothpaste comes in malt, poultry and vanilla mint flavor (not as strong as human toothpaste). Human toothpaste contains flouride and a strong minty flavor. Cat's shouldn't swallow the flouride and will not enjoy a minty fresh breath.
* If possible, start young. Starting a regimen at younger ages gets your kitty and you into a healthy habit.
* Start by getting your cat used to having you in the mouth by rubbing your finger or a moist cotton ball along the teeth; then add toothpaste to your finger/cotton ball, and progress to a finger brush or regular cat toothbrush.
* Brush a minimum of 3 times per week. More often is better.