What Are Cat Cavities – How to Spot and Treat It

Even if your furry friend does not consume chocolates or sugary snacks, their cavities can still be badly infected. 

Cat cavities are common nowadays, affecting 30% to 70% of feline fellows throughout their lifetime.

A cavity can be very painful for your cat, as in this condition, your cat’s teeth are broken down and reabsorbed by their body.

As a pet parent, it’s natural to feel concerned if your feline friend is in pain.

Here, we will explore the common causes, signs, and treatment of cat cavities.

What Are Cat Cavities?

Cat cavities, also known as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, occur due to the actual tooth tissue being softened by cells called odontoclasts. 

These sores are so sensitive and, in extreme cases, cause mobility of cats teeth and tooth loss if the dental issue is not checked.

Key Points:

• Cat cavities differ from Human Cavities; while humans develop cavities due to bacterial decay, cat cavities result from internal tooth damage.
• Studies show that up to 70% of cats over five years old may develop cavities, especially if their dental care is neglected.

Can Cats Get Cavities? Symptoms to Watch For

Do cats get cavities? When cat cavity symptoms are identified ahead of time, significant progress is made in the cat’s healing process.

Here are some signs that your cat tooth cavity:

• Difficulty Eating: Cats may chew on one side of their mouth or drop food while eating.
• Excessive Drooling: Increased salivation is a common sign of dental discomfort.
• Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath could indicate an underlying dental issue, including cavities.
• Bleeding Gums: Look for blood on your cat’s toys or water bowl.
• Behavioral Changes: Cats may become irritable or withdrawn in pain.

Diagnosis and Cat Cavity Treatment Options

In diagnosing a cat tooth cavity, conducting a detailed oral exam may be necessary, including taking X-rays. 

After diagnosing the problem, you can follow these treatment options:

• Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, the affected tooth may need removal.
• Therapeutic Treatments: The tooth can be filled or capped in less severe cases.
• Pain Management: Pain relief medications or antibiotics may be prescribed to manage symptoms and prevent infection.

Preventing Cat Cavities: Tips for Pet Parents and Vets

It is always wiser to prevent than to look for a cure, which can easily be seen regarding cats teeth. 

Here’s how you can help prevent cavities in your cat:

• Regular Brushing: Brushing your cat’s teeth daily can help remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
• Dental Chews: Special dental treats can reduce plaque and support overall dental health.
• Routine Vet Visits: Regular check-ups with your vet, including dental exams, are essential for early detection of cavities.
• Diet Considerations: Feeding your cat a diet designed to support dental health can reduce the risk of cavities.

The Importance of Professional Dental Care

It is essential to consider home care, but you must seek a professional’s services for cleaning your cat’s teeth.

Your vet can professionally remove plaque and tartar from areas beneath the gum line, which is practically impossible with an at-home used brush.

Veterinary Conferences 

Interested in learning more about complex pet dental care procedures? 

Would-be candidates should go to 2025 veterinary conferences to learn more from experienced speakers. 

Such conferences should be the best chance for vets to hone their skills and be on the lookout for new developments in the veterinary field.

How Conferences Can Help Vets Improve Feline Dental Care

Attending veterinary conferences provides invaluable insights and hands-on training in the latest veterinary care techniques. 

Whether you’re a professional vet or just starting your career, staying updated on the latest research and technology in pet care is crucial.

Summing It Up!

It is essential to prevent and treat cat cavities as they directly affect your cat’s health. 

Dental hygiene practices include dental checkups and improvements within and outside dental clinics to avoid severe pain and expenses in the future. 

The benefits of good feline oral hygiene keep your cat’s clean teeth and fresh breath if you choose to make proper brushing a daily routine.

Visit Vet and Tech to learn about cat cavities and veterinary technology courses. Join this expert-led online learning vet tech platform. They frequently hold free CE webinars covering a range of topics.

FAQs

How do I handle a cavity in my cat?

If there is no visible discomfort and the lesions are restricted to the tooth root, your veterinarian could advise close observation. Extracting the tooth is recommended if the lesions spread into the tooth’s crown and the cat displays pain or discomfort.

What are some common cat cavity symptoms?

The following are some symptoms you can check in your feline friend’s mouth to confirm the cavity:

• Bloody spots on the tooth where it meets the gum line
• Bad breath that gets more severe over time
• Food falling frequently from the mouth 
• Eating on one side of the mouth only
• Vomiting of unchewed food
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Pawing at the mouth
• Nasal discharge
• Weight loss
• Drooling

Can cats survive with rotten teeth?

Cats with dental disease may experience severe pain and suffering, which may lower their quality of life. Dental illness frequently results in a cat quitting food, which can have some adverse health effects.

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