Periodontal disease is very common in cats. Left untreated, periodontal disease causes oral pain, abscess formation, osteomylitis, tooth loss and vital body organ infections from bacteremia. It results in excess tarter, gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis and tooth loss.

Most cases of advanced periodontal disease can be prevented through a program of early disease detection and appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease may be caused by a primary viral disease of the gums, the presence of plaque bacteria on the teeth or the cat’s immune response. The combined effects of bacterial toxins and the products of the cat’s inflammatory response damage the periodontal tissues and the tooth enamal.

Feline gingivitis (gum inflammation) can be classified in four degrees. Stage one (1) to a mild gingivitis, in which there is hyperemia (redness) the gingival margin without signs of tissue hyperplasia; Stage two (2) is  a moderate gingivitis, where the cat presents with gingival hyperemia without signs of hyperplasia (increased gum growth) and/or gingival ulceration; Stage three (3) is a severe gingivitis , with hyperemia of the gingival margins, areas of hyperplasia and/or ulceration of the gingival tissue, signs of periodontal disease such as formation of periodontal pockets, atrophy of the dental alveoli and tooth loss; Stage four (4) is very severe gingivitis, where the cat presents with  gingival hyperemia, hyperplasia, gingival friability, bleeding, and damaged or lost teeth. This disease is often associated with tarter and plaque.