Increased Tartar Formation in cats
Tartar (calculus) formation in cats is the accumulation of mineralized deposits that form on the teeth, especially along the gum line. These deposits consist mainly of calcium salts that settle from saliva, food debris, and bacteria in the cat’s oral cavity.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
Tartar (calculus) formation begins with the formation of plaque, a soft, sticky substance consisting mainly of bacteria. This plaque forms on the teeth and can be removed by regular brushing. However, if the plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus) due to the incorporation of minerals from saliva.
Diet plays a crucial role in tartar (calculus) formation. Cats that mainly eat soft or moist food are more prone to tartar (calculus) formation because these foods have less abrasive effect on the teeth than dry food, which helps to mechanically clean the teeth.
A genetic predisposition can also play a role. Some cat breeds, such as Persians or Maine Coons, have a higher tendency to develop tartar (calculus) due to their genetic predisposition. This is partly due to the structure of their teeth, which makes self-cleaning difficult when chewing.
Another factor is the age of the cat. The likelihood of tartar (calculus) formation increases with age as saliva flow decreases and teeth cleaning becomes less effective.
Typical accompanying symptoms
- Bad breath: A common sign of tartar (calculus) is bad breath. The accumulation of bacteria and deposits causes an unpleasant odor.
- Gingivitis: Tartar (calculus) can irritate the gums and lead to inflammatory conditions, which is evident by redness and swelling of the gums.
- Bleeding gums: The gums may bleed when touched or while eating, indicating advanced inflammatory conditions.
- Tooth loss: In severe cases, tartar (calculus) can cause the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out.
- Pain when eating: Cats may experience pain when the tartar (calculus) puts pressure on the gums or teeth, leading to difficulty chewing.
- Changes in eating behavior: Cats may eat less or change their eating behavior due to pain when chewing.
When to visit the vet?
A visit to the vet is necessary if the tartar (calculus) is visible or the cat shows signs of pain or discomfort. You should act quickly, especially if it refuses to eat or shows signs of toothache.
If the gums are severely inflamed, bleeding, or there is obvious tooth loss, an immediate visit to the vet is necessary to ensure the cat’s continued health.
A veterinarian should also be consulted if the cat shows signs of general malaise or changes in behavior that could be due to toothache.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
A pet owner can recognize tartar (calculus) in their cat by inspecting the cat’s mouth. Yellowish-brown deposits along the gum line are a clear sign of tartar (calculus). Bad breath can also indicate dental problems.
The veterinarian will perform a comprehensive examination of the cat’s mouth. This includes assessing the gums, teeth, and tongue. In some cases, an X-ray may be necessary to assess the extent of the dental problems.
During the examination, the veterinarian may also look for other possible causes of the symptoms, such as infections or systemic diseases that could affect oral health.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
The pet owner can help alleviate and prevent tartar (calculus) formation by regularly cleaning their cat’s teeth. Specially developed cat toothbrushes and toothpastes are ideal for this.
The cat’s diet can be adjusted to reduce tartar (calculus) formation. Dry food or special dental diets that mechanically clean the teeth can be helpful. There are also special chews that contribute to dental care.
Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor the cat’s dental health and take early action against dental problems. Professional teeth cleaning by the veterinarian may be necessary to remove stubborn tartar (calculus).
The pet owner should also make sure that their cat drinks enough water, as saliva plays an important role in the natural cleaning of the teeth. A drinking fountain can encourage cats to drink more.
Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.