One of the main factors determining the amount of tartar buildup is the individual chemistry in the mouth. Some cats need yearly cleanings; other cats need a cleaning only once every few years.

Diet plays more of a minor role in the development of tartar accumulation than most people think. Because dry food is not as sticky as canned food, it does not adhere to the teeth as much and thus, does not cause tartar buildup as rapidly. However, eating dry food does not remove tartar from the teeth. Once tartar forms, a professional cleaning is necessary.

Other known risk factors for feline dental disease are viruses, such as the feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Severe disease of the teeth and gums can alert the veterinarian to test for these diseases.

In some cases, owners are unaware that their cat has dental disease. The problem may be identified with a routine physical examination or during investigation of another problem.

In other situations, the probability of dental disease is apparent to the owner. The cat may have very bad breath (halitosis), difficulty eating, drooling, or changes in temperament.

Many different disorders can lead to dental disease in the cat. In general, the veterinarian will try to determine whether the problem is limited to the oral cavity (primary dental disease) or has developed as a consequence of another disease (secondary dental disease).

Diagnosis of dental disease is usually very straightforward. However, in most cases, the true extent of the disease cannot be determined unless the cat is under anesthesia. This facilitates a more complete examination of the oral cavity.

Proper cleaning of the teeth requires complete cooperation of the patient so that plaque and tartar can be removed properly. Anesthesia is required to thoroughly clean the teeth. Many owners have a high degree of anxiety related to general anesthesia for their cats. While there is always a degree of risk with any anesthetic, be aware that the cat’s health may ultimately be compromised by delaying proper dental care.

To minimize risk, our hospital uses modern anesthetics which are deemed safe even for older cats. Also, depending on your cat's age and general health status, various tests may be performed prior to anesthesia to detect health problems that might affect the cat under anesthesia.

There are several steps in the dental prophylaxis procedure:

1. A complete oral exam is done to determine the presence of pockets under the gumline, and the determine the need for extraction of diseased teeth.

2. Scaling removes the tartar and calculus above and below the gum line. This is done with hand instruments and ultrasonic cleaning equipment.

3. Polishing smoothes the surface of the teeth, making them resistant to additional plaque formation.

4. Extractions are performed on teeth which are too diseased to be saved. Multiple rooted teeth can be difficult to remove, and for this reason the cost for extractions will vary. Cats do very well even with missing teeth. If you are opposed to extractions, let the doctor know before scheduling the dental cleaning. We can arrange for a referral to another veterinarian who can do more advanced dental work (such as crowns and root canals) for cracked teeth. Most extractions are done, however, due to advanced periodontal disease. These teeth cannot be saved even with advanced techniques.

5. Fluoride coating is applied to decrease tooth sensitivity, strengthen enamel, and decrease the rate of future plaque formation.

6. Antibiotics and pain relievers are routinely administered to patients in the hospital, and antibiotics are sent home after the procedure. A sample of toothpaste is provided for you to use at home, along with instructions on how to introduce brushing to your cat’s routine.

In the early stages of dental disease, the problems may be reversible. At some point, however, even cleaning cannot restore the mouth to normal. This is not a reason to avoid cleaning!

The prognosis is worsened if tartar is left on the teeth indefinitely. Some of the consequences of delayed dental care are:

1) The tartar will mechanically push the gums away from the roots of the teeth. This allows the teeth to loosen in their sockets and infection to enter the root socket. The teeth will loosen and fall out or have to be extracted.

2) Infection will accumulate in the mouth, resulting in gingivitis (inflamed gums), tonsillitis, and pharyngitis (sore throat). Although antibiotics may temporarily suppress the infection, if the tartar is not removed from the teeth, infection will return quickly.

3) Infection within the mouth will be picked up by the blood stream and carried to other parts of the body. Kidney and heart infections frequently begin in the mouth.

Some cats are prone to developing a type of cavity called a "cervical line lesion". This cavity is an erosion through the enamel along the gumline, eventually opening up into the root canal and leading to a painful tooth. They’ve tried filling these cavities with everything that is used to fill cavities on human teeth, and nothing seems to work. Eventually, over a year or two, the crown of the tooth cracks off, leaving the gums to heal over the exposed roots. This whole process is uncomfortable for the cat, leading to a painful tooth for 1-2 years. If we find a tooth with one of these lesions, we will extract that tooth. Sometimes it can mean that many teeth will need to be extracted, as it can happen to several teeth at the same time. At this time, the cause of cervical line lesions is unknown.

Several preventive measures can be recommended to aid in oral hygiene for the cat. Seek regular veterinary care and have the teeth cleaned when advised. Try to maintain home dental care including brushing the teeth. Special toothbrushes and flavored toothpastes are available. We will be happy to show you how to do this and to recommend a schedule. A tartar control diet is available. It can be used as a maintenance diet or as a treat. It will not clean the teeth but will prolong the interval between professional cleanings (under anesthesia).

In order for us to clean your cat's teeth, we ask that you schedule the procedure in advance. It will be necessary to withhold food after 8 PM the night before; please do not remove the water until the morning of the procedure. Your cat should be admitted to the hospital early (by 8 AM) and will generally be ready for discharge in the late afternoon. It will need to stay indoors that evening to insure that no accidents (falls, etc.) occur until complete recovery from anesthesia. If that is not possible, you may elect to have the cat spend the night in the hospital. It should be allowed small amounts of water that evening and returned to normal feeding the next morning, at which time it should be completely recovered from the anesthetic.