Tartar is a mineral-impregnated bacterial plaque. It can build up on any tooth. It accumulates with age and occurs most often in cats that are fed moist food. As the Tartar accumulates around the junction of the gum with the tooth, a niche is formed in which bacteria grow. The inflamed gums then retract from the tooth and can become ulcerated.
Antibiotic therapy is needed in severe cases and is then followed by removal of the affected teeth.
Periodontitis is a serious condition that results from the immune systems' inability to continually fight the oral bacterial toxins. Dear Simba, My kitten, Karma, is approx. 3 months old and is a typical kitten but also very bright and loving. Listerine Kitty's Mom Dear Listerine Kitty's Mom, Some bad breath is normal during the teething period in kittens. In older cats the most common causes of bad breath are dental plaque, tartar-induced gingivitis, and inflamed teeth.