What To Do If Your Cat's Gums Are Bleeding
Noticing that your cat has bleeding gums can be alarming. If you've noticed that your cat has developed this problem recently, it could mean that there are serious oral health problems at work. Keep reading to learn more about these issues and how you can tackle them.
If You've Just Started Brushing
If you've recently decided to start brushing your cat's teeth, it's possible that brushing is what's triggered the bleeding. That doesn't mean you should stop brushing your cat's teeth - doing so is a great idea and beneficial to your cat's oral health. However, like when humans start flossing, initially brushing your cat's teeth can potentially create bleeding in gums that are already sensitive or diseased. If this is the case, your cat's bleeding should clear up in a couple days.
In addition, make sure that you're using the lightest pressure possible when brushing your cat's teeth. You don't want to be abrasive toward the gums, which can potentially cause bleeding even if your cat's oral health is in good shape.
All Other Issues
If you're not brushing your cat's teeth or have been for a long time and there's bleeding, that could indicate a more serious problem.
Cats can develop gum disease like anyone else, even if you're regularly brushing their teeth. When gum disease becomes advanced, it can cause the gums to recede, bleed, and even result in tooth loss. With that in mind, you should seek care from a veterinarian if you haven't just started brushing your cat's teeth.
Seeing a Vet
When you visit a veterinarian for bleeding gums, the first thing your vet will do is perform an examination. They should be able to tell immediately if your cat has trauma to the gums or gum disease. However, x-rays may also be necessary in order to determine how badly off your cat's mouth is and whether or not their teeth are at risk.
If your cat's mouth is in fair condition and they only have gingivitis, your vet will most likely recommend having your cat's teeth professionally cleaned and scaled. If they have periodontitis or more serious damage to their teeth, surgery may be required to repair the damage and to remove any teeth that are infected or dead.
If you're a pet parent and have noticed that your cat has bleeding gums, you have excellent attention to detail and clearly care about your cat. Follow the next steps and seek help from your veterinarian if your cat has this problem and it doesn't resolve itself quickly.