Does my cat have mouth pain?

Dental issues in cats can present in various forms, as cats are exceptionally good at hiding pain or discomfort.

As a result, many cats suffer from bad teeth without it being noticed until they are feeling really unwell.

What are the symptoms of dental problems in cats?

Typical signs of oral discomfort may include drooling, a preference for wet food over dry food, or even weight loss. In some cases, a cat may be in so much pain that it “chatters” its jaws.

However, more often than not, NONE of these symptoms are present, as cats are very good at hiding their pain!

How can I know if my cat needs dental treatment?

If an owner notices any of the above symptoms, it may be time for the cat to see the vet.

A significant number of cats suffer from a disease called TR, previously known as FORL, which is a common cause of dental issues.

FORL stands for “Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions.”

Today, the condition is more commonly referred to as ‘tooth resorption’ (TR) or ‘resorptive lesions.’

About one in three cats is affected by this disease, and its prevalence increases with age. The older the cat, the higher the likelihood of developing the disease, though young cats can also be affected.

Purebred cats are believed to be more predisposed to the disease than domestic cats.

When the vet examines the cat’s mouth, signs of the disease may sometimes be visible:

– The gum may appear to have “crawled” up the outer side of the tooth and may look thicker, red, and uneven.
– The disease often affects the lower jaw’s premolars first.
– The gums may become inflamed and bleed upon touch.

What does the disease do?

The disease causes the tooth root and enamel to deteriorate, making the teeth more fragile. Holes may form in the enamel, particularly near the neck of the tooth, and crowns may break off.

If the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels are exposed, it can cause severe pain for the cat.

One or more teeth may be affected.

Facts:

The problem is caused by a particular cell type called odontoclasts.

These cells usually work with another cell type called odontoblasts, which help build bone tissue in and around the teeth.

Odontoclasts break down tissue, while odontoblasts build it up.

In cases of TR, the odontoclasts become overactive, causing tissue to be destroyed and healthy tooth roots to be attacked and damaged.

How is the diagnosis made?

The cat is sedated, and X-rays of the teeth are taken.

It is NOT always possible to see externally what’s happening with the roots. Diagnosis and treatment depend on sedation, examination, and X-rays to reveal whether and to what extent the roots are affected.

TR causes a hole in the tooth near the neck. The tissue may be so damaged that the tooth nerve (in the pulp) is affected, which is very painful for the cat.

How is the disease treated?

TR can be divided into two types:

Replacement resorption  and  inflammatory resorption.

With replacement resorption, the roots have been gradually destroyed and replaced by bone tissue. This type is less painful than inflammatory resorption.

This type of resorption does not always require treatment.

If inflammatory resorption is present, the affected teeth must be extracted. This is the only treatment.

A cat with TR should have regular check-ups and X-rays to monitor the disease’s progression and to take action in time to avoid unnecessary pain.

Owners often report that their cat becomes much livelier and happier after treatment for TR!