A variety of ailments could impact both you and your cat, such as dental issues. While you may get cavities in your teeth due to decay, cats have the same type of decay within their dental. Resorption of the teeth in felines causes painful, tooth-like sores that resemble cavities on the teeth, weakening them.
If a cat chews on a damaged tooth, or when the tooth is approached by a vet’s probe hands or equipment for the examination, it could signify significant discomfort. However, chronic toothaches aren’t among the most visible symptoms of the disorder.
Feline Tooth Resorption
Resorption of the teeth of felines is a common ailment that can affect cats as they grow older and affect up to 60 percent of adult cat owners and 75% of older cats. As an animal lover who is responsible, you need to be aware of this issue with your teeth. Check out a few of the most critical facts.
Types and Stages
The teeth of cats are made of a hard enamel that protects a layer of cementum and a bone substance called dentin. They are similar to human teeth. Dentin provides a tooth with its form and also protects its delicate pulp. The body slowly degrades the dentin and enamel of teeth affected by feline tooth resorption.
There are two forms of feline tooth resorption recognized by veterinarians. The tooth’s crown is destroyed in Type 1 dental resorption. However, the roots are not affected. Both the crown and the root are affected by Type 2 resorption. Growing bone replaces the root tissues.
Causes
Although recorded incidences of feline tooth resorption have increased dramatically in the past few decades, there is no explanation for how it occurs. The cats that suffer from this condition can be determined through genetic elements. Periodontal disease, in which the dental ligaments and gum tissue are damaged through persistent inflammation, could lead to the resorption of Type 1.
Issues with diet, such as excessive acid levels or nutritional imbalances, could contribute to feline tooth resorption. In particular cats, the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and stress on the mouth caused by poor dental alignment could cause tooth loss. Vet clinics like Danbury veterinary clinic have different kinds of services.
Symptoms
In the first stage of feline tooth resorption, there may not be any apparent indicators other than gingivitis (gum inflammation), but you may see evidence of blood in your cat’s water or dish of food. As the condition worsens, it is possible to see cavity-like dental holes and cracks on the more severely impacted teeth. Go to a veterinary website like NoahsArkAnimalHosp.com for more information.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your veterinarian can detect feline tooth resorption by putting your cat under general anesthesia and taking dental X-rays. An examination of the crown and roots can assist assess how far the ailment has gone while excluding other possible dental issues.
The degree of tooth resorption in your cat will decide how you deal with it. The veterinarian can fill the gaps between your cat’s teeth if the damage is only minor. But, since resorptive lesions might continue to develop after filling, this method should be viewed as a temporary, not a permanent, treatment.
Prevention
Veterinarians cannot develop prophylactic treatment strategies for cat tooth loss because the causes aren’t known. However, because of the potential relationship between this illness and periodontal problems, it is suggested to regularly clean your cat’s teeth at home and through professional cleanings. Visit a veterinary website; their dentistry page has more details.
