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Enlarged Gums in Cats

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Gingival Hyperplasia in Cats

Gingival hyperplasia is a medical condition by which a cat's gingival tissue becomes inflamed and enlarged. Enlargement is typically caused by dental plaque or other bacterial growth along the gum line. This condition is relatively rare in cats, and in many cases can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits.

Symptoms and Types

Common symptoms of gum enlargement include:

Thickening of the gums
Increase in the height of the gums
Pockets developing in the gums
Areas of inflammation in the gums
Growth/mass formation on the gum line

Causes

The most common cause of gingival hyperplasia is bacteria and plaque along the gum line. This disease will also affect the bones and the structures supporting the teeth. If left untreated, this condition can lead to periodontal disease.

Diagnosis

Gingival hyperplasia is often diagnosed during a veterinary mouth inspection. If there is a gingival mass present, a biopsy will be performed, with tissue taken from the mass for examination, so that cancer (neoplasia) can be either confirmed or ruled out. X-ray images will also be taken to rule out potentially serious underlying medical conditions.