It might come as a surprise to people that approximately 70 percent of cats 3 years and older have evidence of dental disease. The fact is, after three days, dental plaque forms calculus or tartar on cats’ teeth, so daily brushing is essential. Eating dry food alone won’t stave off this common feline ailment.
Dental disease encompasses an array of symptoms, including swollen gums (gingivitis), bleeding gums or loose teeth (periodontal disease), erosions of the tooth enamel (resorptive lesions), broken teeth, missing teeth, plaque, tartar or bad breath.
Click here to read CatChannel’s exclusive quiz on feline oral health.
**Get the February 2009 issue of CAT FANCY to read the full article.**