Cats, our beloved feline friends, are susceptible to a painful dental condition known as tooth resorption, previously termed as ‘feline oral resorptive lesions’ (FORLs). Studies indicate that a significant 28-67% of cats could be affected by this condition, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in cats.
What is Tooth Resorption?
Tooth resorption is a dental disease that predominantly affects older cats, aged four years and above, and seems to be more prevalent in purebred breeds such as Siamese and Abyssinians. This condition initiates with the loss of the tooth’s outer enamel, typically at or below the gumline, and progressively worsens, potentially eroding the entire crown of the tooth.
Unlike cavities, these lesions begin with enamel loss and can extend to the dentin and pulp canal, which houses the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves. The lesions can be either singular or multiple and may occur on the lingual (tongue side) or buccal (cheek side) of the tooth. Some are visible to the naked eye, while others may be obscured by plaque or inflamed gums. To identify these lesions, a cat must be anesthetized to allow for a thorough examination of each tooth’s surface.
Common sites for these lesions are the larger, multi-rooted teeth such as molars and premolars, particularly at the point where the roots diverge. However, canine teeth and incisors can also be affected.
Causes of Tooth Resorption
The precise cause of tooth resorption remains a mystery. One hypothesis is that plaque-induced inflammation may activate ‘odontoclasts,’ cells that erode the tooth’s enamel. Other potential causes could include autoimmune disorders, changes in oral pH, viral infections, or disruptions in calcium metabolism.
Signs and Symptoms
Cats with tooth resorption may exhibit signs of oral pain, which can manifest as irritability or aggression, changes in appetite or food preference, difficulty chewing, and food falling from their mouths. They may also show discomfort when their jaws are touched, experience increased salivation, or have oral bleeding.
Diagnosis of Resorptive Lesions
Diagnosing tooth resorption involves classifying the lesions into five stages, ranging from Grade I (mild, affecting only the enamel) to Grade V (severe, with the tooth crown missing but roots remaining). Dental explorers are used to examine each tooth, and any calculus must be removed before a thorough examination can be conducted. Dental radiographs are crucial for diagnosing tooth resorption and assessing the extent of the disease.
Treatment and Management
The treatment for tooth resorption depends on the stage of the condition. In some cases, the entire tooth, including the roots, may need to be extracted, while in others, only a portion of the tooth is removed. Cats with a history of tooth resorption are advised to undergo a prophylaxis, or professional dental cleaning, every six months.
Good home dental care is essential for managing tooth resorption in cats. Pet parents should follow their veterinarian’s instructions carefully to maintain their cat’s dental health.