Tooth Resorption in Cats: Important Things You Should Know

Many of the same health issues might affect you and your cat, including dental problems. While you may get cavities in your teeth due to decay, cats experience a distinct type of degeneration in their teeth. Feline tooth resorption causes painful, cavity-like sores on the teeth, weakening them.

When a cat bites down on an injured tooth or when the tooth is touched by a veterinarian’s probing fingers or examining equipment, it might communicate that it is in great agony. At the same time, chronic toothaches aren’t one of the most noticeable symptoms of the disorder.

Feline Tooth Resorption

Feline tooth resorption is a frequent ailment that affects cats as they age, affecting up to 60% of adult cats and 75% of senior cats. As a responsible pet owner, you should be aware of this dental issue. Take a look at some essential information about the subject.

Types and Stages

A cat’s teeth are made up of thick enamel that covers a layer of cementum, and a bone substance called dentin, just like human teeth. The dentin gives a tooth its basic form and protects its sensitive pulp. The body progressively destroys the enamel and dentin of afflicted teeth in feline tooth resorption.

There are two forms of feline tooth resorption recognized by veterinarians. The crown of a tooth is destroyed in Type 1 dental resorption, but the roots are spared. Both the crown and the roots are affected by Type 2 resorption, with bone gradually replacing the root tissues. A veterinarian like Noah’s ark vet clinic has more information posted on their website.

Causes

Although recorded incidences of feline tooth resorption have increased dramatically over the last few decades, no one knows why it happens. Which cats have this condition may be determined by genetic factors. Periodontal disease, in which the dental ligaments and gum tissue are damaged by persistent inflammation, may lead to Type 1 resorption.

Dietary issues such as high acid levels or nutritional imbalances might be other causes or contributors to feline tooth resorption. The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and oral stress caused by poor dental alignment can cause tooth resorption in particular cats.

Symptoms

In the early stages of feline tooth resorption, there may be no apparent indicators other than gingivitis (gum inflammation); however, you may find evidence of blood in your cat’s water or food dish. As the problem worsens, you may notice cavity-like holes in the afflicted teeth and fractures in the more seriously impacted teeth. Visit a vet like Noah’s Ark Animal Hospital for more details.

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 potential dental issues.

Your cat’s tooth resorption severity will determine how you treat it. Your veterinarian may fix the gaps in your cat’s teeth if the damage is minor. However, because resorptive lesions might continue to develop after filling, this method should be viewed as a temporary rather than a long-term cure. Consult your veterinarian for your cat’s routine exams.

Prevention

Veterinarians find it challenging to propose prophylactic treatments against feline tooth resorption since the specific causes are unknown. However, because of the potential relationship between this illness and periodontal disease, you should regularly brush your cat’s teeth at home and through expert cleanings.