Do Cats have Dental Issues

Q:  Do cats have dental problems?

A:  Cats have most of the same dental problems as dogs, but they do have a few dental conditions that are unique.  One of those is Feline Odontoclastic Respsortive Lesions (FORLs).  FORLS have many names including Feline Cavities and Neck Lesions.  Most cats over the age of five have one or more of these painful cavities.  When we perform an oral exam on your cat, we keep these specific diseases in mind.

Q:  What is the most common dental problem in cats?

A:  The canine teeth (fangs) of cats are the most common to having very small fractures on the tip of the teeth.  These fractures will usually have exposed areas leading to infection and possible death of the tooth.  Many times the tooth breaks leaving a painful retained root in the jaw.