Hyperaemia of the gum margin

In kittens a narrow band of reddening of the gum margin just below the teeth is a common finding. This appears to present no problem to the cat and resolves without any treatment. Owners need not be particularly concerned therefore unless other signs of disease are associated with it.

A specific and rather more extensive and dramatic gingivitis (gum inflammation) has been reported in kittens three and a half to seven months of age. The cause of this condition is not known and it often fails to respond to treatment. The condition may disappear spontaneously when the cat cuts its permanent adult teeth.

Dental disease

True dental caries, the process of decay to which human teeth are so susceptible, is very rare in the cat, though occasionally, true caries of the tooth table is encountered, particularly involving molar teeth. Affected teeth should be extracted, as should teeth in which injury has led to the tooth shattering, cracking or breaking off so as to expose its central sensitive pulp.

A more common problem than caries is erosion of the junction of the crown and the root which may lead to the crown shearing off from the root, either under normal wear or when an attempt is made to extract the tooth. The root is very likely to be infected and should be extracted.