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Periodontitis (Inflammatory Conditions of the Gums and Periodontium) in cats

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Skin/Fur

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 03.12.2025

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

Periodontitis in cats is an inflammatory condition of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, caused by bacterial infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

The most important facts at a glance

Periodontitis in cats is a progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. inflammatory condition of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar (calculus). Plaque is a soft film of bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. and food debris that can harden into tartar (calculus) if not removed. This can irritate the gums and cause inflammatory conditions that damage the supporting structures of the teeth. Causes include genetic factors, inadequate oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. hygiene, and a diet consisting primarily of soft food. Symptoms include redness, swelling, bleeding gums, halitosisHalitosis, or bad breath, is a condition characterized by unpleasant odors from the mouth. Causes can include dental problems, digestive system disorders, or respiratory issues., and tooth loss. The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by a clinical examination, often under sedationSedation refers to the state of calming or suppressing the central nervous system with medication, which reduces anxiety and irritability and sometimes induces a light sleep., and may include X-rays and microbiological tests. Treatment involves professional dental cleaning and possibly the removal of diseased teeth; antibiotic treatments and regular dental care at home are recommended. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. depends on the stage of the disease but is often good in early stages. PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. includes regular brushing, special food products, and veterinary check-ups. Current research focuses on identifying bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. and genetic factors to develop targeted treatments. In addition, it is being investigated how periodontitis affects other organ systems in order to better understand its systemic effects.

Causes

Periodontitis is a progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. disease caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar (calculus) on the teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky film consisting of bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. and food debris. If plaque is not removed regularly, it mineralizes into tartar (calculus). Tartar (calculus) cannot be removed by normal brushing and requires professional dental cleaning.

The bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. in the plaque release toxins that irritate the gums and cause inflammation. This inflammatory response leads to damage to the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, jawbone, and fibers that anchor the teeth in the jaw. This is the beginning of periodontitis.

The causes of periodontitis are varied. Genetic factors can play a role, as some cat breeds such as Maine Coons or Siamese cats are more prone to dental problems. Inadequate oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. hygiene is the most common triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats.. A diet consisting primarily of soft food can also promote plaque formation. The immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. of the cat also plays a role, as a weak immune defense can increase susceptibility to bacterial infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

The most common symptoms of periodontitis in cats include halitosisHalitosis, or bad breath, is a condition characterized by unpleasant odors from the mouth. Causes can include dental problems, digestive system disorders, or respiratory issues.. This unpleasant odor is caused by the bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. that accumulate in the plaque and tartar (calculus). Another common symptom is bleeding gums, especially when eating or when the teeth are touched.

Cats with periodontitis may also show signs of pain in the mouth. This can be expressed by reluctance to eat, chewing on one side, or even avoiding hard food. In advanced cases, tooth loss can occur. Sometimes you can also notice redness or swelling of the gums.

Another possible sign is increased drooling or salivation. In some cases, there may be a change in behavior, such as aggression or withdrawal, as the mouth pain can be very uncomfortable.

Diagnosis

The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of periodontitis in cats is usually made by a thorough clinical examination by a veterinarian. This examination includes a visual inspection of the oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. cavity to identify signs of inflammation, tartar (calculus), and gum recession.

In many cases, a complete examination is only possible under sedationSedation refers to the state of calming or suppressing the central nervous system with medication, which reduces anxiety and irritability and sometimes induces a light sleep. or general anesthesiaGeneral anesthesia is a medical procedure that induces unconsciousness and eliminates pain during surgical procedures. It involves the use of anesthetics to temporarily shut down the body's overall perception., as cats are often not cooperative enough when conscious to allow a detailed inspection. During this examination, the veterinarian may also take X-rays to assess the extent of bone loss and other damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.

The veterinarian may also perform a microbiological examination of the gums to identify the specific types of bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. that are causing the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. This information is important to plan the most effective treatment.

Therapy

Treatment of periodontitis in cats usually requires professional dental cleaning by a veterinarian. This cleaning is performed under sedationSedation refers to the state of calming or suppressing the central nervous system with medication, which reduces anxiety and irritability and sometimes induces a light sleep. or general anesthesiaGeneral anesthesia is a medical procedure that induces unconsciousness and eliminates pain during surgical procedures. It involves the use of anesthetics to temporarily shut down the body's overall perception. to allow the removal of plaque and tartar (calculus) both above and below the gum line.

In advanced cases, it may be necessary to extract damaged or diseased teeth to prevent the spread of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. and relieve pain. After dental cleaning, the veterinarian often recommends antibiotic treatment to control the bacterial infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

In addition to professional cleaning, regular dental care at home is recommended. This can include daily brushing with a special toothbrush for cats. There are also special diets and treats that can help reduce plaque. In some cases, the veterinarian may also prescribe a mouthwash or gel to reduce bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. in the mouth.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for cats with periodontitis largely depends on the stage of the disease and the type of treatment. In the early stages of the disease, when the inflammation only affects the gums, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is usually very good if appropriate treatment is performed.

In advanced stages, where there has been significant bone loss and tooth loss, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. may be more guarded. However, with comprehensive dental treatment and regular home care, the cat’s quality of life can often be significantly improved.

It is important to note that periodontitis is a chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. disease that requires lifelong care. Regular veterinary check-ups and home dental care are crucial to prevent the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease and maintain the cat’s oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. health.

Prevention

To prevent periodontitis in cats, regular dental care is crucial. One of the most effective measures is daily brushing with a special cat toothbrush and toothpaste suitable for pets. Cats can be accustomed to this routine by proceeding slowly and patiently.

In addition, special food products and chews can help support dental cleaning. These are designed to reduce plaque and keep the gums healthy. Be sure to select products that are recommended by veterinarians.

Regular veterinary check-ups are also important, as the veterinarian can recognize early signs of dental problems and take appropriate measures. A professional dental cleaning can be performed if necessary to remove stubborn deposits.

Another element of preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. is monitoring your cat’s general health. A balanced diet rich in nutrients strengthens the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. and contributes to overall dental health. Avoid giving your cat sugary treats or human foods that can harm dental health.

Outlook on current research

Research on periodontitis in cats has increased significantly in recent years as the importance of dental health for the overall well-being of pets is increasingly recognized. One focus of current research is on identifying the bacterial flora involved in the development and progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of periodontitis in cats. Through the use of modern molecular biological techniques, scientists are trying to isolate the specific microorganisms that play a role in the disease. The goal is to develop targeted treatment strategies that can effectively combat these microorganisms.

Another exciting area of research is the genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. for periodontitis. Researchers are investigating whether certain cat breeds or individuals are genetically more susceptible to this disease. By identifying genetic markers, scientists hope to be able to better predict in the future which cats have a higher risk of periodontitis. These findings could help to use preventive measures in a more targeted manner.

The development of new treatment methods is also a focus of research. Various innovative approaches are currently being tested, including the use of probiotic preparations that are intended to positively influence the oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. flora. Other research approaches include the use of special dental cleaning products and dietary supplements that promote dental health. The results of these studies could pave the way for new, effective treatments.

Another area of research that is gaining importance is the investigation of the systemic effects of periodontitis in cats. It is being investigated how the disease affects other organ systems and whether it is associated with other health problems. This could help to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the health consequences of periodontitis and to emphasize the importance of early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment.

In summary, current research shows that periodontitis in cats is a complex disease that is influenced by a variety of factors. The ongoing studies will certainly help to gain new insights that not only deepen the understanding of the disease, but can also significantly improve treatment and preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring..

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is periodontitis in cats? Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the gums and periodontium in cats. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar (calculus), which lead to inflammation of the gums and, in advanced stages, can damage the jawbone.
What are the symptoms of periodontitis in cats? Common symptoms include bad breath, redness and swelling of the gums, bleeding gums, tooth loss, difficulty eating, and increased salivation. In severe cases, jawbone loss can also occur.
How is periodontitis diagnosed in cats? The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is usually made by a thorough examination of the oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. cavity by a veterinarian. X-rays may be necessary to assess the extent of damage to the supporting structures of the teeth. A blood testA blood test is a laboratory procedure in which blood is drawn and analyzed to obtain information about the body's health. It can include various parameters such as blood sugar, blood count, liver and kidney values. may also be performed to rule out other health problems.
What are the causes of periodontitis in cats? The main cause of periodontitis is the accumulation of plaque, which is formed by bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. in the mouth. If plaque is not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar (calculus). In addition, genetic factors, diet and the general immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. of the cat can play a role.
How can periodontitis be treated in cats? Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. In the early stages, a professional dental cleaning may be sufficient to remove plaque and tartar (calculus). In advanced cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and possibly administer antibiotics.
Can periodontitis be prevented in cats? Yes, periodontitis can be largely prevented through regular dental care. This includes regular brushing, the use of special dental care products for cats, and regular veterinary check-ups. A balanced diet can also help maintain dental health.
Is periodontitis painful in cats? Yes, periodontitis can be very painful, especially if the disease progresses and affects the gums and jawbone. Cats often show subtle signs of pain, such as reduced food intake or changes in eating behavior.
Can all cats develop periodontitis? In principle, any cat can develop periodontitis, but older cats are more often affected due to age-related changes in the oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. cavity. Certain breeds and cats with a weak immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. may also be more susceptible.
Are there long-term consequences of untreated periodontitis in cats? Yes, untreated periodontitis can lead to serious health problems, including tooth loss, jawbone loss, and possibly systemic diseases that can affect other organs. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment are crucial to avoid these consequences.
How often should my cat be taken to the vet for a dental exam? Cats should be taken to the vet for a dental exam at least once a year. In cats with known dental problems or older cats, more frequent check-ups may be useful to detect and treat problems early.