
Dental disease is a common problem in cats, affecting up to 85% of cats over the age of three. The most common dental diseases in cats are:
Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup
Periodontitis: A progression from gingivitis, caused by bacteria in plaque that hardens into tartar
Tooth resorption: A painful disintegration of the tooth caused by the cat's immune system eating into the tooth
Dental disease can cause serious pain and discomfort for cats, which can impact their quality of life. Cats with dental disease may:
Have a decreased interest in food
Chew with caution or discomfort
Swallow with difficulty
Drool, possibly with blood
Have bad breath
Paw at their mouth or shake their head
Act cranky, easily agitated, or aggressive
Hide
Be less social
Have different elimination habits
To prevent dental disease, you can brush your cat's teeth daily to remove plaque
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