Feline Dental Care

Kirkland, Washington

Did you know that, just like their human families, cats can develop gum inflammation, infection, and other oral health concerns? At All About Cats Veterinary Hospital, we offer comprehensive feline dental care services, from routine exams and cleanings to tooth extraction and periodontal care, always with your feline friend’s comfort and safety in mind.

Veterinary
Services

How Often Should You Schedule Your Cat’s Dental Exam?

At All About Cats Veterinary Hospital, we typically perform cat dental exams during their annual wellness visits. If, however, you see signs of oral health concerns between visits, it’s important to seek immediate care.

Signs you need to schedule a dental checkup for your cat may include the following:

Persistent bad breath
Excessive drooling
Bleeding or inflamed gums
Discharge around the teeth or mouth
Tooth discoloration
Pawing at the mouth or face
Trouble eating or stopping eating altogether
Increased irritability or reluctance to be touched on the face

Feline Dental Services Offered by All About Cats Veterinary Hospital

The following are some of the services we offer for our feline patients:

Dental Exams: We conduct thorough exams to check for plaque and tartar buildup, gum inflammation, broken or damaged teeth, tooth mobility, and other oral health problems.

Dental Radiographs: We take dental radiographs during all dental cleanings under general anesthesia to get a closer look at your cat's dental structures and assess their overall tooth health. This helps uncover a host of concerns, including loose or broken teeth, infections, or tumors.

Dental Cleanings: Depending on your feline friend's needs, we may recommend a thorough dental cleaning under general anesthesia to gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from your cat’s teeth and gum line. Dental cleanings have been shown to greatly reduce the risk of periodontal disease, bad breath, and even tooth loss.

Periodontal Disease Treatment: Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious concern, affecting more than 70 percent of cats over age 3. Left untreated, the condition can lead to bad breath, painful chewing, and even tooth loss. Harmful oral bacteria can also enter the bloodstream, posing a risk to your cat’s systemic health. Treating periodontal disease may involve a more thorough dental cleaning under general anesthesia, polishing your cat’s teeth, and rinsing with an antimicrobial agent to prevent reinfection.

Oral Surgery: Tooth extractions under general anesthesia are necessary at times to address severe pain, infection, extensive fractures, or advanced periodontal disease. Removing damaged teeth can help prevent the spread of infection and avoid complications.

Tooth Resorption Care: Tooth resorption is a painful condition resulting from biological processes that gradually destroy your cat's tooth structure. This type of lesion starts internally and progresses outward, often occurring at the gumline. Lesions appear on the teeth, often resembling cavities, which are rare in cats. Extraction is typically recommended for tooth resorption.

Stomatitis Treatment: Stomatitis is a serious condition resulting from an overactive immune system reacting to periodontal disease-causing bacteria. Symptoms include painful ulceration or inflammation in the mouth. While treatment and good oral hygiene practices can sometimes help, extracting all of your cat’s teeth is sometimes necessary to prevent further complications.

At-Home Preventive Dental Care

Brushing your cat’s teeth at home is one of the best ways to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, lowering the risk of periodontal disease and bad breath. Keep in mind that the earlier you start, the easier it will be. Older cats may take a little longer and need more patience, but they’ll get used to brushing in no time. Our team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital is pleased to offer tips and guidance to help you establish an effective oral hygiene routine.

Did You Know?

Almost two-thirds of a cat’s tooth is hidden under the gumline. Also, persistent bad breath is almost always a sign of infection or gum inflammation, not just "cat breath.” So the next time you get a whiff of unbearable breath, it's time to schedule a vet visit.