Feline Dentistry Lake Oswego, OR
Regular dental checkups for cats are just as vital as they are for you. The general health of your pet is closely related to how they feel in their mouth.
Feline Dentistry Lake Oswego, OR
Think about how your mouth would feel if you neglected to wash your teeth or visit the dentist. This is a sad reality for many cats. By the age of three, more than 70% of cats have dental problems, according to the American Veterinary Dental Association. The most common health issue in pets is dental (or periodontal) disease.
Common signs of dental disease include: Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth; Red, swollen, or bleeding gums; Bad breath; Excessive drooling; Changes in eating or chewing habits; Pawing at the face; Loose teeth; Depression.
Even if your cat doesn’t have these symptoms, we recommend that you have a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once a year. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and possibly expensive oral surgery.
Dental disease can also affect other organs in the body: Bacteria in the mouth can get into the bloodstream and cause serious infections in the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart. If these problems aren’t caught and treated quickly enough, they can result in death. A physical exam, combined with appropriate laboratory work, can determine if infection in the mouth has spread.
Make an appointment right away! At Cat Care Professionals, we can also demonstrate how to brush your cat’s teeth for you and suggest meals and treats that will help prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar.