Cat Dental Health...?

My only regret with my first cat with stomatitis is NOT having the full mouth extraction done sooner. This was years ago, when vets were less knowledgeable about this disease, and less aggressive about treating it. We pulled his teeth on multiple occasions - also starting around the same age - and it would go away for a while, then come back, causing more pain, another anesthesia, another recovery - and more money :( There is no real cure for it, other than the extraction. Most cats get by with leaving the canines. I've had two - both rescues - who have had it as well. One - my old lady at 16 - still has her canines and doesn't have any issues. Another who sadly passed from lung disease had a full mouth extraction canines included. However by the time he came to me the inflammation spread down into his pharynx, and he had serious inflammatory issues even with the extractions as it was put off too long (not by me). I'd suggest getting it done and over with. Waiting won't improve it, and may just make it worse.

Years (decades) ago we brought in our cats that had tooth problems and the vet took out all the back teeth -he left the canines - the cats did fine and lived to 19 and 20 years. A few years ago I brought Ratz in to have his teeth cleaned (age 12 then), he was returned to me with 4 teeth left - 2 canines and two molars. No problems related to the lack of teeth. 2 years ago Julian went in for his teeth (he was 13 then), this time the vet took out every single tooth in his head. They wouldn't release him from the hospital until he was eating and being the chicken he is, he wouldn't eat. I had to go in and sit with him for hours until he finally stopped thinking he was abandoned. He came home that day (three days after the operation) and I have never had a problem with him since. His mouth is nicely healed and he eats mostly dry food and a bit of can every day because I am trained to give him that. The lack of teeth has never bothered any of them.

I had a cat who had bad teeth from a very young age

She lived to 20 yrs

At that point she had but 2 teeth left and would eat wet(canned) food

Each time she went in for a dental (usually every year) she wouldlose a tooth or two but she managed just fine all those years , was healthier than trying to fix with antibiotics

I have each of the cats teeth cleaned every year or so

I think it contributes to their overall health and longevity

It is very important to keep up with the oral health of your cat or dog. It looks like your cat inherited a mouthful, sorry. Work with your vet or see a vet dentist for a second opinion. You can find valuable information about periodontal disease in canines and felines at Greenies.com. I'm not stating that feline Greenies are okay for your cat to chew unless your vet agrees; he may need prescription dental food as well. We hope that your cat feels better soon! ^_^

I'm not a cat person , I'm a dog person Pit Bull lover , however I do know the situation you are talking about one of mine had an infection in a tooth best suggestion take your cat to a vet and have it removed .