Cat food and dental health

Dental related disease is the biggest group of disorders in cats in the UK. Just over 23% of cats suffering from some form of dental disease, either in the form of periodontal (gum) disease (15.2%) or other dental disease (8.2%).

And left unchecked, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Here we’ll look at how to spot early signs, how to tackle dental issues, and what foods you can feed your cat to help.

Good to know: All of Agria’s cat insurance policies come with protection for many dental health issues.

What causes tooth loss in cats?

Tooth loss in cats is primarily caused by plaque. The plaque - which consists of bacteria, among other things - gives rise to dental inflammation (gingivitis). If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. So what are the symptoms of tooth decay in cats, and how can it be treated?

Check your cat's teeth regularly to detect changes in time

A coating of plaque forms on cats' teeth and can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) which can lead to tooth loss (periodontitis). It's important to brush your cat's teeth regularly to remove the coating.

So what is periodontitis, exactly?

Periodontitis, often referred to as tooth loss, is a chronic inflammation of the supporting tissue of the tooth. It first destroys the soft tissue around the tooth and later the jawbone, leading to loose teeth. Periodontitis can be local in the oral cavity or general. Plaque formation is what leads to periodontitis and calculus is seen in varying degrees.

The damage caused by the disease is irreversible. Periodontitis can lead to root tip abscesses, tooth fractures as teeth become more brittle, and infection in the jawbone.

Symptoms of periodontitis

●       Bad breath

●       Irritated gums

●       Loose teeth

●       Your cat pulls to open its mouth or scratches against its mouth

●       Decreased appetite and salivation

●       Problems with chewing

●       Aggression and depression

It's not always obvious when a cat has pain in their mouth. They rarely stop eating because of the pain, but rather eat with the side of their mouth where it hurts least.

Tooth loss is a late symptom

Tooth loss is a late symptom in the disease picture. If your cat starts to lose teeth, they've had a dental disease for a long time.

Tartar is most harmful when it has spread below the gum line. There, the bacteria can grow and the infection can spread even deeper. It’s also where tartar is most difficult to detect, so the infection can spread to the root of the tooth and cause root tip abscesses.

How periodontitis is treated

Treatment consists of trying to stop the process through careful dental care at home. In addition, regular professional measurement and cleaning of dental pockets, dental x-rays and by extracting loose teeth as needed.

Brush your cat’s teeth for prevention

The best way to prevent the formation of plaque, tartar and other dental diseases is to brush the cat's teeth regularly - preferably daily.

Get your cat used to tooth brushing at an early age and make it a routine. For example, you could brush your cat's teeth before you brush your own teeth. Remember to also keep an eye on their gums.

●       This is how you brush your cat's teeth

●       Does pet insurance cover dental treatment?

What’s the best cat food for dental health?

Feeding your cat a diet of wet food alone can contribute to your cat developing a dental disorder. This is because wet food has no abrasive action on the teeth.

But feeding a dry, crunchy kibble as part of your cat’s daily diet can help to prevent plaque build-up.

This is because as a cat crunches the biscuits, it can help to scrape off the plaque, resulting in less tartar build-up. Rachel Andre, Founder of Tippaws, says: “Feeding a dry crunchy food that your cat loves, such as Tippaws dry food, is a low-effort, easy, everyday way of helping to prevent periodontal disease in a way that’s non-invasive for your cat.”

Here’s what and how much to feed your kitten

Thanks to Tippaws for contributing to this advice.