And human medicine has taught us that healthy mouths can help us live longer. Owners, however, shouldn't think of mouth care as something to pay attention to only in their cat's later years. Studies show that most cats over the age of 2 years show signs of oral disease to some degree. Since cats are not noted for their cooperation when it comes to mouth inspections, owners can easily miss the early stages of oral disease in their feline companions. There are, however, several signs that, although not exclusive to oral disease, should alert you to the need for a thorough and detailed veterinary examination of your cat's mouth.
Advanced periodontitis leads to the loosening and eventual loss of teeth.
Gingivitis Gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease, is relatively easy to spot. It appears as a red line of inflammation where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque, a combination of bacteria, food particles, and saliva, is constantly forming and hardening on the surface of the tooth. This enlarged sulcus traps debris and creates a fertile environment for bacterial growth. Saliva, which normally washes out the sulcus, can no longer do its job effectively and clear out the sulcus.