{"id":1301,"date":"2019-03-26T09:07:31","date_gmt":"2019-03-26T16:07:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/?p=1301"},"modified":"2019-03-26T09:07:31","modified_gmt":"2019-03-26T16:07:31","slug":"pearly-whites-the-importance-of-feline-dental-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/pearly-whites-the-importance-of-feline-dental-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Pearly Whites: The Importance of Feline Dental Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Many cat owners probably aren\u2019t aware that oral health disease is the most common health issue their cats face. But the fact is that by the time cats reach the age of 3, over 85% of them have some form of dental disease. And without proper feline dental care, the condition of their teeth will steadily worsen, causing swollen gums, pain, and tooth loss. Even a shortened lifespan can result from a lack of feline dental care.
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So what\u2019s a passionate cat owner to do? Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital<\/a> is passionate about cat health<\/a>, too. So we pulled together some expert advice to help cat owners understand and prevent this common cat health threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Cats Are Unique<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a cat owner, you already knew that, right? But in the context of dental health, it\u2019s important to know that cats are at risk for several diseases unique to them. Like dogs, they can suffer from periodontal disease<\/a>, along with a few feline specific diseases you also need to be aware of:
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Feline Stomatitis \u2013<\/strong> this is a condition marked by severe, painful inflammation of the mouth and gums. There is no single cause, but dental disease, inflammatory responses, and certain viruses all may  contribute to feline stomatitis. Extraction of all affected teeth is one of the only treatments available.
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Tooth Resorption \u2013<\/strong> this is a common feline dental problem, affecting 20 to 60% of all cats. With tooth resorption<\/a>, the tooth dentin develops painful lesions at or below the gumline, and the tooth enamel then erodes away. Eventually, the entire tooth, from root to crown, can become affected. Dental x-rays<\/a> are the best way to evaluate the tooth if a lesion is observed.
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Tooth fractures \u2013<\/strong> a cat\u2019s canine teeth are at particular risk for fractures. The pulp chamber exists very close to the tip of the tooth, and so even tiny cracks can expose this sensitive tissue, leading to pain, decay, and further problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When To Worry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Schedule an appointment with us at the first sign of dental trouble, so we can help get your cat back on the right path. Signs may include:
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