Gingivitis in Cats and Dogs

It isn’t just humans who struggle with their teeth and gums. Gingivitis in cats and dogs is actually quite common, just like it can be in their human counterparts. Luckily, gingivitis in animals can be treated pretty easily, especially if you catch it early.

Read on for the lowdown on gum disease, dental health, how to spot gingivitis, and treatment and prevention options.

But first off, what exactly is gingivitis, and how is it different to periodontal disease?

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, caused by bacteria. It’s often confused with periodontal disease, but the two are actually different. Periodontal disease involve tooth support loss, while gingivitis can progress into this if left untreated.

Gingivitis is reversible with proper care.

Symptoms of gingivitis in cats and dogs

How do you know it’s gingivitis your cat or dog is struggling with? Most symptoms are related to the mouth, unsurprisingly. However, there can also be other signs of gum disease.

Gingivitis is characterized by swelling, redness and sensitivity where the gum and the teeth meet. In severe cases, there might even be some bleeding.

Symptoms of gingivitis in cats and dogs can include:

• Loss of appetite and weight
• Difficulty swallowing dry food and preference for soft foods
• Unusual head tilting or movements while eating
• Resistance to touching, especially around the face and mouth
• Bad breath
• Receding gums
• Bleeding, redness and swelling
• Loose teeth
• Drooling
• Depression or behavioural changes

How do dogs and cats get gingivitis?

Gingivitis happens when plaque builds up and the gums respond with swelling, redness, bleeding and sensitivity.

Plaque is an accumulation of bacteria combined with substances that turn the mix into a concretion that adheres to the teeth. Plaque leads to swelling of both the gums and the periodontal ligament — the structure that attaches teeth to the underlying bone.

Because this can take some time and teeth start out clean when kittens and puppies are born, gingivitis is more common in older dogs and cats. However, some breeds are also more prone to it. In dogs, Jack Russell Terriers are known to have dental problems. In cats, flat-nosed breeds like the Persian and Siamese cat are more susceptible to gingivitis.

Regardless, it isn’t always just a case of poor oral hygiene or plaque building up over years and years. Although this is the most common reason for gingivitis, other predisposing or contributing factors can include:

• Infections and diseases such as feline leukemia virus and FIV
• Genetics
• Misaligned teeth (read more about this in our dog dental health article)

Treatment and prevention of gingivitis

The prognosis is excellent for gingivitis that hasn’t yet progressed into periodontal disease.

Usually the first step in treating gingivitis in cats and dogs is a thorough teeth cleaning and evaluation. It isn’t just a good brushing at home! This happens under general anaesthetic, and is performed by a vet.

The deposits of tartar are removed, and the tooth surfaces are scaled (cleaned) ultrasonically and then polished. It’s important to clean the tissues beneath the gum line carefully to remove any accumulated plaque or tartar. In the case of gum infection, your vet will probably prescribe antibiotics too.

If your pet has more advanced dental problems, they may need surgery and tooth removal too.

After the cleaning and scaling by professionals, you’ll have to carry on with a proper dental care routine for your pet at home. This stops the gingivitis your cat or dog has from taking hold again and returning. Regular cleaning is crucial in taking care of your pet, and it should form part of your routine pet care.

We’ve detailed the processes in our articles on dog teeth cleaning and dental hygiene and how to look after your cat’s teeth. Your vet can also guide you, but know you should be brushing your pet’s teeth on a daily basis. Dental chews and toys can also be beneficial in preventing a build-up of plaque and bacteria. Here’s a video showing you how to brush their teeth.

Pet insurance for cats and dogs

Pet dental insurance can cover dentistry and oral issues for cats and dogs, though not all insurance plans will include this. That’s why it’s important to always make sure you know and understand the small print on your policy wording.

If you do have a cat insurance or dog insurance policy that offers dental cover, it can help you maintain those pearly whites and, by extension, your pet’s oral health. Because these things often go unnoticed until later stages, a trip to the vet at the first sign of mouth issues can help you catch dental problems early.