Latest news with #gingivitis
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Vet warns ‘damage is irreversible if left untreated': 8 signs your cat has gingivitis – and how to prevent it becoming dental disease
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Gingivitis in cats is one of the most common dental problems seen in general practice, yet it's often misunderstood or missed by owners until the condition becomes severe. As a small animal vet with 14 years of experience, I've helped lots of cats with dental disease, and gingivitis is almost always where it starts. Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums, and while it may seem mild at first, it can lead to significant discomfort and more serious oral health issues if left untreated. The good news is, with the right management and care, it can often be controlled and even reversed. In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about gingivitis in cats – from the early warning signs to the best treatment options – with practical advice from clinical experience. Whether you're a first-time cat owner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you protect your feline friend's pearly whites. Gingivitis in cats is the inflammation of the gums (gingiva) that surround and support the teeth. It's typically caused by a build-up of plaque – a soft, sticky film made up of bacteria, saliva, and food particles – on the surface of your cat's teeth. If not regularly removed, this plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which further irritates the gums and worsens the inflammation. In the early stages, gingivitis may just affect the gumline. Owners may notice redness, swelling, and bleeding around the teeth. But if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the structures supporting the teeth, like ligaments and bone, become damaged. This stage is often irreversible and can lead to tooth loss. Some cats also develop a more severe form of gum disease called stomatitis, where inflammation extends deeper into the mouth and causes widespread pain. Cats are incredibly stoic creatures, and they often hide signs of pain. That's why gingivitis can easily go unnoticed until it's quite advanced. Look out for these common signs: Red, swollen gums, especially around the base of the teeth Bleeding gums are often noticed during eating or when chewing on toys Bad breath (halitosis) is a telltale sign of oral bacteria Drooling or saliva with traces of blood Difficulty eating, chewing on one side, or dropping food Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face Decreased appetite or weight loss Changes in behavior, such as being more withdrawn or irritable There are several underlying causes of gingivitis in cats, and often it's a combination of factors. Here are the most common: There are several underlying causes of gingivitis in cats, and often it's a combination of factors. Here are the most common: Dental plaque and tartar: These are the number one causes. If plaque isn't removed through regular cleaning, it calcifies into tartar, leading to inflammation and infection. Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS): This is an immune-mediated condition where the cat's immune system overreacts to plaque, causing severe and painful inflammation in the gums and mouth. Viral infections: Viruses like feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) can all contribute to gingivitis and stomatitis. Luckily, some of these can be vaccinated against. Vaccinations are very important for our pets. Tooth resorption: A common and painful condition in cats where the tooth structure breaks down, exposing sensitive dentin and leading to secondary gum inflammation. Poor oral hygiene: Just like in humans, cats need regular dental care. Lack of brushing, dental diets, or professional cleaning leads to rapid plaque accumulation. Genetic predisposition: Some breeds, such as Abyssinians, Siamese, and Persians, are more prone to dental issues, including gingivitis. Diet: Soft or wet food diets don't provide the abrasive action needed to help keep teeth clean, which can contribute to plaque build-up. The treatment for gingivitis in cats depends on the underlying cause and severity. Here's how it is typically managed: Professional dental cleaning: A full dental scale and polish performed under general anaesthesia is usually the first step. This allows your vet to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line and assess each tooth for disease. Tooth extraction: If teeth are loose, damaged, or contributing to chronic inflammation, they may need to be removed. Cats can do very well without several or even all of their teeth, and it often significantly improves their quality of life. Medical treatment: Anti-inflammatory medication (such as corticosteroids or NSAIDs), antibiotics, or immune-modulating drugs may be used, particularly in cases like FCGS. Your vet will tailor a treatment plan based on your cat's individual needs. Ongoing dental hygiene: At-home care is crucial for long-term success. This includes keeping your cat's teeth clean, brushing your cat's teeth with a pet-safe toothpaste, offering dental chews or diets, and regular vet checks. Mild cases of gingivitis can sometimes be managed at home with daily tooth brushing and dental-friendly products. However, once tartar is present, it can only be removed professionally. Never attempt DIY dental scaling – this can cause pain and damage the teeth. Home care is essential after professional treatment to prevent recurrence. There are many products that help, including: Pet toothbrushes and pet toothpaste, learning how to brush your cat's teeth can make a huge difference. Dental diets (like Hill's t/d) Water additives Dental gels and sprays Soft Cat Toothbrush Set | AmazonThis gentle yet effective toothbrush kit is ideal for both cats and small dogs, and made from food-grade silicone. The ergonomic design ensures easy handling, while the soft bristles provide a comfortable brushing experience. It is a practical and pet-friendly addition to your grooming Deal If left untreated, gingivitis in cats can progress to periodontal disease, leading to: Chronic pain Tooth loss Oral infections that can spread to other parts of the body Poor general health due to inflammation Weight loss and reduced quality of life Increased veterinary costs in the long term Early intervention is always best. Even if your cat isn't showing obvious signs, regular dental checks can help catch issues before they become serious. Read more here on fascinating facts about cat's teeth or four ways to prevent gingivitis that I'd wish I'd known sooner Edited by Megan Milstead. This page was last updated in July 2025 by Emma Chandley.
BBC News
05-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Why some pipo mouth dey smell bad and how to fix am?
Wetin dey cause bad breath? Around di world, one of di main causes of bad breath na periodontitis, also known as gum recession. "Half of di adult population go get some form of gum disease," na so Dr Praveen Sharma, associate professor of restorative dentistry for di University of Birmingham for di UK, tok to BBC What's Up Docs? programme. "You fit think of bad breath, objective bad breath as bad breath wey dey come from di oral cavity," e add, referring to di mouth. "Dat wan probably account for 90% of bad breath." Di oda 10% get oda causes. "Poorly controlled diabetes, go get a certain kind of breath," Dr Sharma tok. "If you get patients with gastrointestinal problems, gastric reflux, dem go get a kind of a sour breath. So, you go get systemic diseases wey dey manifest for di oral cavity." So, wetin pesin fit do about dis? If you no clean di bacteria wey dey settle between your teeth and gums, e fit lead to micro-wounds and subsequent bleeding gums. Dis na gingivitis, di early stage of gum disease, but di good news ne say e dey reversible. "Gingivitis na di inflammation of di gums and you go notice am as your gums go dey look red, swollen, and go dey bleed wen you brush," Dr Sharma tok. "Dat wan go progress to periodontitis" Check your gums for redness, swelling or bleeding while brushing, but no worry too much becos e still get time to take action. "One of di things wey patients dey do, is na say dem go instinctively avoid to brush di gums wey dey sore wen dem dey brush am, becoa eem go dey think: 'Oh, I dey do more damage, I dey do sometin wrong, dat na why e dey bleed,'" Dr Sharma tok. "E almost dey reversed - you suppose use bleeding gums as a sign to say: 'Oh, I need to brush a little bit better becos I miss am before.'" To request: Complete the translations here: Fill-in the commissioning form with this title in English: Gingivitis and periodontitis - 2025070203 Dr Sharma say you need to find time to brush properly. "You no wan to dey brush your teeth or clean your teeth while you dey do oda tins," e tok. Ideally you go need to dey stand in front of your mirror and focus properly. Many right-handed pipo unconsciously dey brush dia left side longer, and left-handed pipo dey brush dia right side longer, wey fit lead to more inflammation on di side wey dey receive less attention. Be aware of which hand you dey use brush and consciously try to brush both sides equally and carefully. Dr Shamra suggest starting with inter-dental cleaning first. "In terms of removing plaque and helping gum health, e better to use interdental brushes," e tok. After using interdental brushes e good to get a system wen moving your toothbrush in your mouth and no rush. Remember say each tooth get three surfaces: di outer, chewing and inner. All of dem need to be cleaned carefully. E fit come as a surprise to many, but di minimum time for brushing your teeth na two minutes. Many pipo brush by holding dia toothbrush at a 90-degree angle to di tooth and pressing back and forth, but dis method fit cause gum recession. Hold di toothbrush at about a 45-degree angle to di tooth and brush gently. Brush by directing di bristles toward di gum line on di lower teeth and upward toward di gum line on di upper teeth. Dis go help remove bacteria wey fit dey hide under di gum line. Many of us fit don learn say brushing your teeth after a meal na di right thing to do. But think again. "Ideally, you suppose brush bifor you chop your breakfast," Dr Sharma tok. "You no wan to brush after you don chop sometin acidic - e go get a softening effect on di mineral substance of di tooth, di enamel and di dentine." Di acid in food go cause di protective enamel on di surface of your teeth and di dentine underneath to soften, so brushing your teeth immediately after a meal fit damage your tooth enamel. "If you prefer to brush after you don chop your breakfast, then you suppose leave some time between your breakfast and brushing your teeth," Dr Sharma tok. You suppose rinse out your mouth and wait small. Also, while brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day dey ideal, some pipo fit find am sufficient to brush properly once a day. Wen you sleep, your saliva flow dey decrease, wey go allow bacteria to do more damage to your teeth during di night. So, if you go clean your teeth thoroughly once a day, di best time to do so na for night. Use a toothbrush with medium stiffness bristles. Toothpastes no need to dey expensive. "Funny enof as long as e get fluoride inside," Dr Sharma tok, "I dey happy." Di minerals dey strengthen tooth enamel and make am more resistant to decay. After brushing, spit but no rinse to allow di toothpaste and fluoride to remain in di mouth to help prevent tooth decay. Mouthwash also dey worth using if you dey experience early signs of gum disease, as e dey help to reduce plaque and bacterial buildup. But no use am after brushing as e fit wash away di fluoride wey dey in di toothpaste. If gum recession (periodontitis) don dey progress, you go notice say spaces go begin form between di teeth, and as di bone wey dey hold di teeth dey erode, di teeth fit become loose. If dis condition no dey controlled, bone loss fit reach such a severe level wey be say di teeth fit fall out. You fit also experience persistent bad breath. If you experience all dis symptoms, see your dentist immediately. Finally, here na some quick tips to freshen your breath: - Drink plenty of water becos bacteria fit grow wen your mouth dey dry. - Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper. Dis one dey remove food particles, bacteria, and dead cells dem wey fit lead to bad breath. - If you no dey sure of how fresh your breath dey, leave am to a friend or family member to check for you. But be sure to choose carefully who you ask o! Adapted from BBC's What's Up Docs podcast episode dated 29 April 2025.
National Post
23-06-2025
- Health
- National Post
The best mouthwash with the "Canadian Dental Association Seal"
Article content Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content For optimal health, a good oral care routine should have three steps: brushing, flossing and rinsing. We've already covered the Canadian Dental Association (CDA)-approved electric toothbrushes, toothpastes and water flossers worth buying, which leaves the final step in your routine – mouthwash. Article content Article content Article content Adding mouthwash to a regular oral hygiene routine reduces and prevents gingivitis more than brushing and flossing alone. For that reason, the CDA recommends using an oral rinse for 30 seconds twice daily in addition to brushing and flossing. Article content Article content Article content You can't go wrong with a classic. This Listerine mouthwash comes in a range of breath-freshening flavours, including cool mint, green tea and eucalyptus. Article content Article content Kill millions of germs that cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath without the burning sensation of alcohol. This Crest mouthwash also offers 12 hours of fresh breath protection. Article content Article content To combat bad breath, use this mouthwash to rinse your mouth for one minute, then gargle for 30 seconds to clean your throat which can be a major source of bad breath.
