Gingivitis is a problem that occurs relatively frequently in cats. It causes symptoms that have a very negative effect on quality of life, although there are more or less serious cases, and they are a source of concern for caregivers. It will always be necessary to go to the veterinarian and the treatment can be as invasive as the extraction of all the teeth.
On some occasions, we can combine
veterinary care with natural remedies to alleviate symptoms and promote the recovery
of the animal. In this article we will focus on this and, therefore, we will
show the most recommended home remedies for gingivitis in cats.
Gingivitis
in cats: definition and symptoms
Gingivitis literally is inflammation of the gums . The teeth are
inserted into the gums, leaving these perfectly surrounded by them, with no
space between them. When the gum becomes inflamed, holes open up in which food
debris and bacteria accumulate that end up infecting it, which can lead to
detaching the teeth.
In addition, cats can suffer from a
virus called calicivirus which, among other symptoms, damages the mouth and
causes gingivitis. However, there are many other causes of gingivitis such as
systemic diseases, autoimmune diseases, tumors, etc. Gingivitis usually spreads
and becomes gingivostomatitis , which usually becomes chronic and is
characterized by inflammation of the entire mouth. That is why it is necessary
to visit the veterinarian if we see any of these signs in our cat:
- hypersalivation
- Pain, the cat does not tolerate handling.
- Loss of appetite or difficulties eating precisely
because of the pain. If the situation continues, the cat loses weight and
can even become dehydrated if it cannot drink.
- Difficulty to swallow.
- Bad smell in the mouth.
- Swollen and red gums. They bleed easily.
- Emission of pus or very thick saliva.
- Rubbing of the mouth with the paws or against objects.
- Dirty coat because the cat cannot self-groom.
- Depression.
Oral
infection in cats: treatment
In cases of severe gingivitis or
gingivostomatitis, there may be a bacterial infection that requires
antibiotics. Other times, support measures must be prescribed to keep the
cat nourished and hydrated. Analgesics are prescribed to control the intense
pain. Sometimes interferon is also used
if there is a virus or corticosteroids if an autoimmune process is suspected.
If following the treatment the cat does not improve, a drastic measure is
resorted to, which is the extraction of the teeth, at least the affected ones
and, if possible, the fangs are preserved. Of course, it is important to
remember that antibiotics for cats with mouth infections and painkillers must
be prescribed by a specialist, so we should never self-medicate an animal.
While the inflammation is
maintained, we can follow some home remedies for gingivitis in cats, in an
attempt to improve their quality of life.
Cleaning
the cat's mouth
Before starting home remedies for
gingivitis in cats, the veterinarian should perform a complete evaluation of
the mouth, tooth by tooth. It is very likely that the cat will have to be
sedated, since the pain, added to the stress of the transfer to the clinic,
will prevent manipulation of the area. In consultation, the veterinarian can
take x-rays of the oral cavity, take samples and deep clean the mouth with
ultrasound, before we continue the treatment at home.
Brushing
the teeth, the main remedy for oral infection in cats
We begin the review of home remedies
for gingivitis in cats with a basic hygienic measure, such as cleaning the teeth . To do this, we must use a
specific toothbrush for cats, the same as if we use a paste. The problem is
that it is difficult for the cat to allow this type of manipulation, unless it
has gotten used to it. That is why you have to assess the level of stress it
poses for the cat. Stress affects your immune system, so this needs to be taken
into account. Brushing should be done daily in order to control the
deposit of bacterial plaque.
This brushing is not only useful to
combat a possible oral infection in cats, but it also prevents it from
reappearing if we introduce it as part of your routine. For this reason,
handling the cat's teeth, its legs, etc., from the first day is essential to
guarantee that we can carry out this type of hygienic practice that is so beneficial
for it.
Chlorhexidine
for gingivitis in cats
Another home remedy for gingivitis
in cats is disinfection of the mouth . This is done with 2%
chlorhexidine or chlorhexidine bioadhesive gel. We can wet a gauze with the
product to surround our finger and rub, very delicately, the gums and teeth. As
in the case of brushing, it can be difficult to get the cat to accept this
manipulation. That is why it must be valued to do it or not and how often we
manage to tolerate it.
Diet
and feed for cats with gingivitis
At home we can also influence our
cat's diet. The truth is that a dry feed is recommended, following the
hypothesis that friction helps keep teeth clean. But it is difficult for a cat
with a bad mouth to eat feed easily. Wet food is more easily swallowed, but
because of its consistency, it is easier for it to stick to the teeth.
For the above reasons, we can
explore the possibility of offering homemade food, always following the
recommendations of the veterinarian so that the menu is balanced. There are
foods, such as apples, that favor dental hygiene, but not all cats will
accept them. In any case, among the home remedies for gingivitis in cats, food
is the one that we can most easily implement. Other good foods to treat
gingivitis in cats naturally are the following:
- Raw carrot,
since it allows you to fight bacterial plaque by gnawing it, although if
the pain is intense, the cat may reject it.
- Blue fish
due to the high content of omega 3 fatty acids, which act as natural anti-inflammatories.
- Strawberries,
for their richness in vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber. All these
substances, together with omega 3, represent the most recommended
nutrients to alleviate the symptoms of oral diseases, such as gingivitis.
Therefore, including foods rich in them is more than recommended.
- Watermelon and melon,
also for their richness in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Calcium-rich foods,
such as natural yogurt (without sugar) or kefir.
In addition, there are prizes
designed for oral care that we can use and rope-type toys that will have an
effect similar to dental floss.
Natural
remedy against gingivitis in cats: avoid stress
Finally, considering the importance
of the immune system, we can focus on avoiding stress as part of the home
remedies for gingivitis in cats. Thus, it is not the time to introduce changes
in the cat's routine, since they are animals that are very sensitive to changes
in their environment and can suffer stress right away. Quality food, a quiet
place to rest, clean water at your disposal, warmth and affection are the
bases to contribute to a strong immune system.
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