This is a condition we can see in young cats, usually around 6-9 months of age. It is characterized by bright red gums, and teeth with little to no visible tartar. The exact cause is unknown, however, potential causes may include: viruses, breed disposition (more common in certain purebred cats such as Persians, Siamese and Abyssinians), environmental influences, immune suppression, and of course, plaque and tartar build up.
It often starts out with mild gingivitis localized around specific teeth, but then may progress to severe inflammation and bleeding tissues around the teeth. Treatment requires removing and preventing plaque accumulation with a professional dental cleaning every 3-6 months, as well as aggressive home care. The homecare may include daily tooth brushing, sprays, rinses or water additives.
If left untreated the chronic inflammation can result in tooth resorption and bone loss around the teeth requiring extractions. The good news is that many cats seem to outgrow the disease by age 2. Unfortunately, those cats that do not respond will require further treatment.