What has been your experience with feline gingivitis?

It varies wildly with individuals. Some pets need annual prophy, some never do. Feeding dry food, and (if you’re up for it) brushing will help slow the progress.

Feline dental cleanings are usually pretty simple procedures – they don’t have anywhere near the same amount of tooth surface as dogs. But they’re worthwhile; advanced dental disease can cause organ damage. Bacteria from the calculus enters the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue and can lodge in the heart, kidneys, or liver. Doesn’t sound as if Milo is anywhere near that severity of disease, though.

(Dental prophy was always very satisfying – instant gratification. You start with nasty, yucky teeth, and then 20 minutes later, shiny white!)

How old is he?

I have never had it. Sounds awful though.
As for Milo, he needs to get his teeth cleaned. Also brushed.

I don’t know but I want to get my girls to the vet now. the Poof had some minor plaque issues but the vet wasn’t really concerned. They cleaned her teeth and didn’t have to use sedation.

@syz: Milo is 10— 11ish. His early history is murky.

My daughter says that there is very expensive dry food available only through the vet’s
office that will help prevention. I’ll pass the name on when she sends it.

M eats only Felidae grain-free and an occasional ounce of juice from tuna fish can.

I shudder to think of trying to brush his teeth. In four years, I have managed to cut 4 (four) nails.

@saint: Not a helpful answer. Cleaning teeth is the same as brushing, and I did say that the vet will incorporate the cleaning into his yearly care next year.

I have never had much of an issue with this over the years. But, cats like people are all different.
I feed “Greenies” treats now, several times a day and supposedly they help keep plaque down. I also free feed dry food with canned in the mornings only.

I had one old Siamese that lost most of his teeth by age 12ish and had to eat a soft diet, but, he lived until 16 when his kidneys went.

I’d go for the cleaning and maybe it will only need to be an annual or every other year thing.

I refuse to brush my pets teeth, sorry.

We have a cat who has had his teeth cleaned twice, and has had two (maybe it’s three?) teeth removed. Although he is showing signs of aging, he has recovered well from the anesthetic each time. We think he’s about 17 years old. Like Milo, his early history is murky.

Sorry, Milo, but 10 is definitely middle aged.

@syz: Milo here: Well, OK. I do still have my 9 inch waist however and can tap-dance as well as Fred Astaire (he was no spring chicken either).