Feline periodontitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the periodontal ligament and its surrounding tissues, with a long and secretive course. It begins with gingivitis and progresses to periodontitis, the number one killer of oral health in humans and animals. It is an inflammation involving the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, eventually leading to attachment loss (periodontal pockets, gingival recession, bone resorption). It rarely affects a single tooth and is often generalized. Surveys show that the incidence of periodontal disease in cats over 5 years old is over 70%.

1. Cause

The initial stage of periodontitis is called gingivitis, which is an inflammatory reaction of the gum tissue. At first, redness and swelling and other related symptoms often appear at the edges of the gums, and later may appear ulcer. The gums at this time are very fragile and may bleed spontaneously. Plaque is the main culprit of gum disease. Dental plaque is a collection of microorganisms that adheres to the surface of teeth or other soft tissues of the mouth. It is composed of a large number of bacteria, intercellular substances, a small amount of white blood cells, exfoliated epithelial cells and food debris. When salivary glycoproteins in the oral cavity come into contact with teeth, they can adhere to the enamel surface and form a film-like substance (called an acquired film), which provides a matrix for the initial adhesion of oral bacteria and creates conditions for the formation of dental plaque. . Bacteria grow on the surface of the acquired membrane and can produce acid, deposit glycoproteins, and synthesize glucan. Together with the deposited glycoproteins, the plaque matrix forms the basis for plaque formation.

After the bacteria that multiply on the dental plaque produce toxins and enzymes, they first cause inflammation of the gums. At the same time, the bacteria increase the pH of the saliva and make it alkaline, causing the protein in the saliva to decompose. Calcium salts are released and harden into dental calculus. Tartar easily adheres to dental calculus. The holes between the teeth and gums become deeper and deeper, and the gums swell and bleed. It is also common for not only the gums, but also the periodontal tissues such as the periodontal membrane, cementum, and alveolar bone that support the teeth to be damaged. Gradually, the alveolar bone becomes damaged. Being absorbed, the force supporting the teeth weakens and the teeth become loose. This is called periodontal disease.

Summary of the causes

01 It is induced by mechanical stimulation caused by the adhesion of dental calculus.

02 After tooth loss, food residue accumulates in the root of the tooth, causing infection.

03 Improper feeding and management, lack of trace elements and vitamins in food.

04 Certain infectious diseases and chronic systemic diseases, such as calicivirus, diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and genetic diseases, etc.

2. Clinical symptoms

Daily symptoms include bad breath (rotten smell) and salivation; appetite but can only eat soft food or liquid food, dare not chew food, and occasionally touch the teeth Produces severe pain. Red gums; loose teeth; tooth loss; eating slowly and with difficulty, loss of appetite, etc. When the above symptoms appear at the same time, you may be infected.

3. Diagnosis

Symptoms, medical history and chief complaints can provide very useful information. First, an orofacial examination and a conscious oral examination are performed, and then oral inspection, probe exploration and dental X-ray examination are performed under anesthesia.

Severity level:

Level 1: No calculus on the teeth, occasional plaque adhesion, slight redness of the gums, X-ray examination of the teeth and gums in good health, reversible.

Level 2: There is plaque attached to the teeth, little dental calculus, the gums are slightly swollen with flushing, X-ray examination shows that the tissue density at the root of the tooth is reduced, and the tooth root is slightly loose.

Level 3: Dental calculus is visible to the naked eye, gum recession or hyperplasia is accompanied by redness, swelling, bleeding, and bad breath. X-ray examination shows that the range of tissue density reduction at the root of the tooth is further expanded, and the teeth are obviously loose.

Level 4: A large amount of dental calculus, gum recession, severe gum bleeding, bad breath, salivation, X-ray examination shows a large-scale reduction in the density of gum tissue in the affected area, multiple loose teeth, and severe symptoms Systemic complications occur.

4. Treatment

(1) Remove the cause. Teeth cleaning is performed under general anesthesia to completely remove tartar and tartar. If an abscess is found, the pus should be squeezed out and the abscess cavity flushed. Severely loose teeth should be extracted and treated with anti-infective drugs.

(2) Oral disinfection. You can choose a less irritating disinfectant for oral disinfection, and use a sprayer to spray the affected area of ​​the mouth more than 4 times a day. And spray on the wound repair liquid

(3) Care. Give liquid food, such as milk, gruel, etc., and rinse the mouth with saline from a syringe after eating.

5. Prevention

First of all, cats should be given regular oral examinations to detect abnormalities. Prompt treatment. Secondly, remove tartar, calculus, etc. in a timely manner to reduce the further deterioration of periodontal disease. Use oral care solutions for oral care to reduce the growth of bacteria on dental plaque. You can also give your cat chewing gum and other toys regularly to exercise the teeth and remove tartar. There are also professional dental cat foods on the market that can help reduce the growth of dental plaque.