Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue, mainly caused by bacteria, plaque, and calculus (tartar).

The three culprits above are formed in this order: bacteria cause plaque, and plaque causes the gradual buildup of calculus. These plaque-forming bacteria usually live in the food that cats eat, especially unsealed dry food tables, where these bacteria can form an invisible film on the surface of the teeth.

Plaque is very stubborn and can reappear after a few minutes, even after cleaning.

The formation of dental calculus depends on the combination of minerals in the cat's saliva with plaque or bacteria. The calculus that forms is yellow and hard and firmly adheres to the teeth.

Dental calculus can further irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis.

The calculus along the gum line is most visible when plaque begins to form on the surface of the teeth.

01. Early and late symptoms of gingivitis

Gingivitis usually develops slowly, so many parents may not pay attention to the symptoms in the early stage . If early symptoms are ignored, inflammation can spread deep into the gums, attacking the entire tooth tissue.

Symptoms of early gingivitis include:

Pink gums, especially near the teeth

Shiny gum line , swelling

Halitosis

When the first calculus forms on the gum line, a pocket is formed between the teeth and the calculus. This pocket holds more bacteria, which in turn leads to more stone buildup, creating a vicious cycle. As the calculus accumulates more and more, the gum line will be pressed down, causing the root nerve to be exposed, which will be very sensitive and painful when the cat eats.

Advanced gingivitis can even erode the gums if left untreated.

Symptoms of advanced gingivitis include:

Bleeding gums

Drooling

When eating or drinking pain

loose teeth

irritability

gum abscesses

gum recession

02, Digging deeper into what causes gingivitis

We know that plaque and bacteria cause calculus, and calculus causes gingivitis.

But the question is, what is the reason for the different degree and speed of calculus formation in different cats? Some reasons that can be found at present include the following points:

1. What does the tolerance of dental plaque mean? It is well understood: different cats have different immunity to this oral plaque. Some cats may not be able to resist plaque at all.

2. Calicivirus (Calisivirus)

In cats with infection, the tongue and gums will blister. We can reason that if a cat is chronically attacked by calicivirus for a long time, then this condition may contribute to the development of gingivitis.

3. Bartonella

It can be treated with azithromycin.

4. Inactive immune system If the cat's immunity is very poor or the immune system is still developing. Plaque can then further erode the gums, leading to gingivitis.

03. Adolescent gingivitis

Gingivitis can occur when cats are very young. Gingivitis that occurs during this period is called pubertal gingivitis. Adolescent gingivitis may develop between 3 and 5 months of age when permanent teeth have erupted, and is most severe by 9 months of age. Cats with this disease may not be able to thrive until they are 2 years old, because most cats do not have fully developed immune systems until they are 2 years old.

Cats with adolescent gingivitis should brush their teeth once or twice a day and visit a doctor every two months for a cleaning. Only by maintaining this frequency can the cat get better faster.

04. Which cats are more likely to be affected

No matter what breed of cats, with age, saliva And changes in the chemicals in the mouth, these older cats are more likely to develop calculus, which can lead to gingivitis.

In addition, some researchers believe that Siamese, Persian, and Exotics are more susceptible to the disease. Gingivitis.

05. Diagnosis, Prevention, Treatment, and Prognosis

The diagnosis of gingivitis is very simple and generally depends on seeing. To further determine the severity of advanced gingivitis, X-rays may be required.

Preventing gingivitis starts with preventing or reducing plaque. This is the most fundamental. There are still many methods, here are some of them:

1. Daily brushing

2. Cat mouthwash has a certain effect

3. Drinking Water additives play a role

4. Anti-calculus probiotics

5. Raw meat with bones such as chicken feet, chicken necks, quail 6. Oral health prescription canned

7. Regular oral examination

8. Professional medical scaling 9. Vitamin c supplementation

Early gingivitis, as long as the above methods are followed, proper prevention, general problems Not big. The above methods are all designed to reduce the formation of dental plaque.

However, advanced gingivitis requires more attention and treatment methods will be different.

The treatment approach for advanced gingivitis generally depends on the severity and is usually more complex.

Some common solutions include the following, which can be used alone or in combination.

1. Removal of dental calculus

2. Severely extracted teeth or teeth with serious periodontal disease

4. Taking antibiotics, clindamycin, metronidazole (for teeth), tetracyclines

5. Corticosteroids, methylprednisolone, etc.

The prognosis should be judged according to the condition. The prognosis of gingivitis in the early stage is generally good, but not in the advanced stage. Also see if the cat has other complications.

Gingivitis can lead to more serious diseases, such as periodontitis and stomatitis. The latter two can further lead to tooth loss and decay.

So if your cat's teeth show any early signs of problems, don't take it lightly.