Dental/tooth questions

I have a few questions about dental care and problems.

One of my cats in the past had at least 4 teeth removed, 2 canine teeth and the others were on the side not sure the name but weren't molars. One had rot the other 2 were cracked for unknown reason and one fell out so remainder had to be removed. My cat has trouble eating dry food and picking food up, her stomach problems have gotten worse slightly probably from not chewing good anymore. When she had teeth removed I'm not sure if they left an open hole or not, the vets did minimal examining following visit its been 3 years I'm wondering if she has more problems now from this or pain, its hard to judge since I can't ask the cat exactly. She is 13 so I don't like putting her under anesthesia unless necessary but with a tooth cleaning they could take X-ray or mouth to see any problems right? Most vets around don't specialize in dental care I feel like she isn't getting the care she needs but I'm limited where I can go.

Then the other issue I have 2 outdoor cats, one had a molar removed the gum was exposed and after hole was sewn shut. She was on antibiotic injection after and seemed to heal but months later seems to have discomfort when touching her face and has sinus infection symptoms like brown gunk from eyes and sneezing and excess wax buildup, how do I know she doesn't have a hole in her mouth to sinuses? Or surrounding teeth got damaged from removal ?

Teeth care is expensive and stressful on the cats having to be put under I can't seem to keep up, fix one problem another arises! I'm feeling overwhelmed.

I feel for you, sometimes it really does seem overwhelming. I don't think the anesthesia is as deep as it is for surgery. I would bring them back for a tooth cleaning, I know it's expensive, but think once and for all, have them checked and have any teeth removed that seem questionable, no teeth is better then bad ones. Cats can eat fine without teeth, you'd be amazed! And ask for a thorough exam. Then get a good dental water additive on Amazon to help with reducing bacteria, it sure works for my cats, the vet always says they have good looking teeth. Maybe you can get a hold on this instead of a little here and there. Good luck, and keep us posted!

Di and Bob said:

I feel for you, sometimes it really does seem overwhelming. I don't think the anesthesia is as deep as it is for surgery. I would bring them back for a tooth cleaning, I know it's expensive, but think once and for all, have them checked and have any teeth removed that seem questionable, no teeth is better then bad ones. Cats can eat fine without teeth, you'd be amazed! And ask for a thorough exam. Then get a good dental water additive on Amazon to help with reducing bacteria, it sure works for my cats, the vet always says they have good looking teeth. Maybe you can get a hold on this instead of a little here and there. Good luck, and keep us posted!

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I've been adding arm and hammer dental water additive to the water changing it daily. My cats eat grass I grow so that chlorophyll I heard cleans like a floss. The problems with the teeth are due to with my cat the fact she was a stray for 2 years then at first the food we fed her wasn't good quality and that probably didn't help but now on high quality dry and canned food. The strays problem is due to lack of care, it's not easy getting the cat to take to a vet and 8 years of no dental care living outside is harsh on teeth, it was only one tooth but I still want another cleaning this year and thorough exam.

However the other stray has a health condition like a cavity eating at some teeth and gun receding already, upon exam vet said year or two those teeth will probably be very painful, however the cost is more than I can afford even if I save, I'm on disability and unemployed what I get each month is all I get, I'll be honest its only $400, not even enough for one cleaning. I can't save each month there are things I need each month, I put a little aside but it takes months to get enough money, I had won money last year, around $1000 that was how I even paid for it.

I did find a vet nearby that specializes with teeth and has great hours, it's just cost now that's an issue. I wasn't prepared to keep the strays I had been trying to find them homes, I'm not financially able to give them all they need I wasn't expecting to have them around for long.