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When it comes to pet gum care, consistent tooth brushing and annual oral exams are essential. We’ve also discussed the benefit of dental chews on the oral health of your canine companion. However, even with immaculate oral hygiene, your pet may still be at risk for gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Tooth resorption in cats is a painful and often undiagnosed oral condition. It’s one of the most common oral diseases seen in felines. Cats are a prey species as well as a predator species. For this reason, they will often not exhibit any visible signs of pain. As the tooth begins to break down, dentin tubules are exposed—see our blog post on the Anatomy of the Tooth—which leads to pain and infection of the dental tissue. 

A healthy oral cavity is important for overall health in all animals. Maintaining a healthy mouth involves a combination of at-home care as well as professional cleanings under anesthesia by a veterinarian and their trained staff. We brush our teeth at least twice daily along with the ideal biannual visit to the dentist. Despite this, people can still experience periodontal disease based on diet, lifestyle, genetics, and concurrent disease. 

Just as gum disease is an oral health concern for humans, it’s also an issue that can plague our pets. Without the proper oral health care, plaque buildup on your pet's teeth can lead to inflammation of the gums and gingivitis. Preventative measures such as tooth brushing, the use of appropriate dental chews and regular oral checkups all help to decrease the potential of pet gum disease.