Severe Cat Dental Calculus: A Threat to Internal Organs

Just like humans, cats can also suffer from dental problems if their teeth are not regularly cleaned. Yes, you read that right! Cats can be plagued by tartar, just as we are.

The Process of Tartar Formation and Its Impact on Oral Health

1. The Birth of Plaque

Plaque is the root cause of almost all oral diseases in cats, and it's a community of microorganisms that adhere to the mouth.

This community is made up of a multitude of bacteria, shed oral cells, organic matter from saliva, and food particles.

When these microorganisms come into contact with the saliva's glycoproteins, they attach to the teeth, forming a film that creates an adhesive environment for oral bacteria.

Bacteria then grow on the surface of this film, producing acids that lead to the precipitation of glycoproteins, which is the matrix of plaque.

2. Plaque Leads to Tartar

Once plaque is formed, it allows for the proliferation of bacteria. These bacteria alter the pH of the saliva dramatically, making it alkaline, which then breaks down proteins, releasing a large amount of calcium salts. This process leads to the formation of tartar.

3. Tartar Causes Tooth Damage

Tartar, with its rough surface, easily attracts plaque, which leads to the widening of the gap between the tooth and the gums. This can cause the gums to become red and bleed, affecting all surrounding gum and tooth tissues. Eventually, the jawbone may be absorbed, and the teeth may start to loosen.

How Severe Can Tartar Be?

As we've seen from the process, cats' tartar is formed from the calcification of plaque, food particles, oral secretions, and bacteria. It is very stubborn and can lead to a variety of oral diseases if not addressed promptly.

If we don't pay attention to our cats' oral hygiene and they develop severe tartar, most often, they will need a dental cleaning at the vet's office. Unlike humans, cats require general anesthesia for dental procedures, which can be quite harmful to their bodies. In severe cases, it could even lead to a tragic outcome.

Once tartar forms, it is crucial to remove it, as it can lead to various oral diseases as cats age.

1. In the later stages, teeth may become loose, necessitating fullmouth tooth extraction.

2. When tartar accumulates to a certain degree, bacteria can further侵害 teeth and gums, leading to gum ulceration and bleeding. This can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, affecting the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, causing irreversible damage.

Therefore, just as we treat our own dental issues, our cats' dental health needs to be addressed early and treated promptly to ensure they have a complete and healthy life.

How to Detect Cat Dental Diseases Early?

1. Observation

This is the most direct and effective method. By gently opening your cat's mouth, you can closely inspect their teeth and gums.

If you notice discoloration, yellowbrown tartar, or red, bleeding gums, it's a sign that your cat's oral health needs immediate attention, and the tartar is quite severe!

2. Oral Odor

Just as people with periodontal disease or cavities may suffer from bad breath, so can cats. A healthy cat should not have a strong, unpleasant odor when you open their mouth. If your cat has severe halitosis, it's likely a sign of an oral issue, probably tartar.

It's best to take them to the vet for a checkup as soon as possible. After all, bad breath in cats isn't just a health issue; it can also affect our interactions with them.

3. Cat's Mental State

If your cat shows signs such as loss of appetite (not as interested in their food or treats), a lack of grooming, or a change in temperament, these could be signs of dental issues. Cats may not talk, but they feel pain just as we do!

How to Resolve Cat Tartar Issues?

The best approach is prevention!

Here are three practical methods to consider:

1. Brushing

Just like us, cats can benefit from regular brushing to clean around their teeth and prevent tartar and other oral issues. However, brushing can be challenging to control and is not easy to perform, especially for most cat owners. It's also easy to accidentally harm your cat, and it requires daily commitment, which is difficult for many to maintain.

2. Oral Rinse or Gel, like our Mia's Yikouqing. This method is much more suitable for lazy pet owners compared to brushing. Simply press the pump to release foam, gently apply it to the sides of your cat's teeth, and let them clean it off by themselves. This method can effectively clean the mouth and eliminate bad breath immediately!

3. Dental Chews or Toys. Believe it or not, cats can also use dental chews to assist in cleaning their teeth! Unlike bones for dogs, cats can gnaw on snacks like cod skin or duck necks to help clean their teeth. These snacks are free from additives and debris, and they can effectively exercise the teeth while removing food particles from the crevices of the mouth during chewing.