Link between Dental Problems and Diabetes

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Sarah and Simba

Sarah and Simba

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Hiyas,

I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about the possible link between FD and dental problems?

I'm wondering if dental problems in cats are not so common that they could be valid pre-FD diagnosis indicators.

(also, is this the right place for this post, or should it be in think tank?)
 
I've never seen it theorized that way....more like like uncontrolled diabetics are at greater risk...does that make sense?
 
I haven't heard of dental problems causing diabetes; however, I will tell you that dental care in diabetic cats if very important. Because poor dental health can result in pain, infection, etc., it can impact the BG levels - and not in a good way.
 
What is the reasoning behind dental problems and increased numbers? I need some evidence to give my vet on this.
 
there is a thought that infection can raise blood glucose levels....

does your vet not want your cat to have a dental?
 
my question exactly, anyname.

Jen, my cat has a tooth that needs to be pulled, but can't be until he's cleared for anesthetic.
 
Yes, big problems at the moment. Cat's got something going on that has caused his numbers to go high. I nearly had him controlled Nov, December and he should have come OTJ. He was on .50 x twice daily with beautiful numbers for 2 months. It's too long to explain but I thought it was other reasons he ended up back on 4 units x 2 daily. He's currently on 3.5 and heading up again. Last week he was on antibiotics for cat fight damage and his numbers were so PERFECT on anti biotics. But since they wore off his numbers have gone crazy again. He has an ugly growth on his tongue from food allergies. Eosinophilic granuloma. He's been checked by a dermatologist vet - he was on steriods for the tongue growth this time last yr and ended up with FD from them. But I am wondering if tooth decay could be the reason for the renewed high numbers since he can't eat kibble. I always gave him the special ones to clean his teeth.

As is always the case, we end up on this site coz our cat is complicated. We had LB's teeth cleaned this time last year and he went totally feral in the vet clinic. It was very, very upsetting for all of us, including the vet. We are afraid to put him thru this again but I will call my vet to discuss our options. Maybe we can find a specialist dentist who will know how to approach our cat with sedatives before we leave home. Apparently the vet had to use copious amounts of anesthetic because he would not go under. He's a very large Maine Coon. he's normally very gentle but he has his limits and when he fearful he goes nutz.

Just need to know how important healthy teeth are as we have having high numbers after low numbers. (no change to diet - if anything he has lost his appetite) he is eating rabbit mostly now for food allergy to beef.
 
anyname, it sound like your cat has a lot of complicating factors so I won't even try to guess the role of teeth in it. That said..

1. dry food doesn't help dental health, its a huge myth that pet food companies have us buying into
2. bad oral health can affect bgs as well as overall health including the heart


Sarah, remind me, why can't your cat be cleared for anaesthetic? Is it 'just' the diabetes? because if your cat is relatively stable, kidney values good, etc. then theoretically there is no reason to not go ahead with the dental, and it can really help with regulation.
 
He's had multiple issues.. his profile says alot, but basically it's not safe for him to go under at present. I trust my vet's judgment on this one, if not the next one.. or the last one :razz:
 
fair enough. if anaesthesia isn't possible then antibiotics may be required, etc. perhaps a naturopathic vet could also provide assistance?
 
That's a great point - I've been thinking hard about finding a holistic vet in Toronto.
He's on two AB's. luckily it's under control at present.
 
I took my Stevie in as a Foster with diabetes... His health record showed ear infections and problems with his teeth. He only had nine teeth left and was only 3.

His ears looked filthy.... but first things first I treated his diabetes..... I tested and adjusted his PZI insulin and within ten days he was off... Then we dealt with ear infections twice... cleared them... then no matter how well I cleaned his little ears... he got a very bad one that just sneaked up on me.... Vet said he saw a growth in ear canal that looked like a cyst coming from his throat..... ended up. He did a dental... found cyst and removed it... found all nine teeth were worthless and removed them all on my instruction. (Based on knowing how well kitties can eat their canned food without toothies, from FDMB)....

We cleaned his ears and my boy... (yet another failed foster on this board) is now six and is healthy as a horse. He throws up a tad more, when he's overslept meal time and gorges himself... our first hint... food in perfectly 'served' portions... But no matter... he eats just a bit more and starts to play.

But I was wondering too (boy I'm wordy) if bad teeth couldn't speed the problems with diabetes...
 
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