Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: January 25, 2023 by Crystal Uys
It is estimated that 50-90% of all adult cats have dental health problems, with periodontal disease being the number one culprit. The good news is that most dental conditions are preventable and treatable, if caught early.
The only way dental disease can be diagnosed definitively is via a thorough oral exam by your cat’s veterinarian. By the time your cat shows typical warning signs, dental disease may already be in its advanced stages.
Signs of dental disease
- Bad breath
- Loss of appetite and/or weight
- Dropping food when eating
- Red or swollen gums
- Pawing at the face
How the Basepaws Dental Health Test works
Basepaws’ Dental Health Test analyses more than 1,000 microbes in your cat’s mouth, looking for disease signatures before they become visible to the naked eye.
The field of microbiome research in animals is still in its infancy, but existing studies in humans suggest that surveying the human oral microbiome via samples collected from the cheek and gums can serve as an early indicator of dental disease-associated processes.
Environmental factors and various food sources make the feline oral cavity a place of unique interactions between microbes (the oral microbiome) and the feline host.The state of the oral microbiome can reveal information about the health of tissues in the mouth and point to potential dental and gum diseases.
What the Basepaws Dental Health test will tell you
- Risk scores for the three most common dental issues in cats: periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and bad breath
- Evaluation of how your cat’s dental health could impact her overall health
- Personalized clinical care recommendations to share with your veterinarian
- Top animal or plant organisms whose trace DNA was found in your cat’s mouth
Sample collection is easy
The sample is collected by you, in the comfort of your own home, so no vet trips needed. You simply swab the inside of your cat’s inner cheek, place the sample in the provided test tube, and return the sample to Basepaws. A couple of weeks later, you will receive your comprehensive report.
To learn more about the Basepaws Cat Dental Health Test, and to order your test kit, visit Basepaws.com.
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.