Routine teeth brushing with pet safe toothpaste to remove plaque build-up is the best prevention for gingivitis. If your cat has more advanced gingivitis, then the following treatment options might be recommended by your vet.
Medications
When gingivitis is acutely inflamed, anti-inflammatories or antibiotics can help ease the inflammation and infection in your cat’s mouth. This option is usually given before scheduling a dental cleaning.
Dental cleaning with x-rays
Decay and plaque build-up can push down into your cat’s gums, so x-rays can help your vet find any disease below the gumline.
Dental extraction
For severe cases, your vet may suggest removal of some or all teeth. This is in case your cat’s gum recedes, which can loosen your cat’s teeth and make them prone to infections. Removing the teeth stops the infection spreading to other areas of their mouth, and your cat will be able to eat and play without ongoing pain.
Gingivectomy
In some severe cases, your vet may recommend a gingivectomy, which is a partial removal of your cat’s gums. This will help to stop the infection spreading around their mouth.