When food particles and bacteria accumulate along your pet cat's gum line, it can lead to the formation of plaque. When combined with saliva, plaque can turn into calculus (or tartar). This will cause gum irritation and will often lead to an inflammatory disease referred to as gingivitis. The reddening of gums that results is considered as an early stage of periodontal disease, which can progress and become severe. Treatment for severe gum infections or diseases will vary depending on the prognosis.

Treating Periodontal Disease

The best method of coping with periodontal disease is determined based on the severity of the disease. During early stages, the treatment mainly involves trying to limit plaque. You can do this with daily brushing of teeth, professional teeth cleansing, polishing the teeth and a fluoride application. For more advanced stages of the condition, cleaning between the teeth and gums and applying antibiotic gel can be helpful in rejuvenating periodontal tissues. For severe cases, treatment involves periodontal splinting, bone replacements, and guided tissue regeneration. Periodontal splinting involves using fibers and mesh to help the teeth, which may become loose as a result of gum disease, remain in place. Bone replacement involves using bone grafts to strengthen the teeth. Tissue regeneration involves transplanting healthy tissue to replace diseased tissue to encourage the regeneration of new, healthier mouth tissue.

Ulceration and Inflamation

Treatment for the ulceration and inflammation of the gums will require long-term antibiotic therapy and in some cases, steroids. Cats infected with Feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV are more likely to respond to corticosteroid therapy. Careful nursing for your cat is very important as well. Cats that do not respond to the therapy may need to have their teeth removed.

Dental Calculus and Gingevitis

In its early cases, all that is required to treat gum infection is for your pet cat to have the tartar build-up removed by a veterinarian, applying a process called "scaling" under general anesthesia. In severe cases, your vet will take swab samples in order to identify which organisms are involved in the infection. This is usually followed up by long-term antibiotic therapy. After the three or four days of taking antibiotics, all of the infected teeth will be taken out to minimize the risk of septicemia. Calculus usually turns around after scaling is performed. Dental care and attention will be required to ensure it does not return. Feeding your cat dry cat food may help control the problem. If you are feeding your cat dry food, unlimited access to water should be enabled in order to avoid the risk of your cat developing a urinary tract infection.

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