Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions (FORL's)

Veterinarians have several different terms that refer to feline oral resorptive lesions (FORL), but one of the most common is “tooth resorption” or “TR”.  (Resorption means:  the destruction, disappearance, or dissolution of a tissue.)  Tooth resorption will occur when cells called odontoclasts destroy the surfaces of the tooth root by causing the enamel to be resorbed.  As this happens, layers of the tooth disappear, exposing the pulp cavity and causing pain and sensitivity.  The resorption process will continue until the tooth is weakened and ultimately fractures.

Some researchers believe that FORL is caused by the infection or inflammation of periodontal disease; others believe that diet is a key factor in causing these lesions.  However, the true cause is still unknown.  In turn, without knowing for sure what the cause is, no one knows exactly how to prevent these feline tooth resorption lesions from forming.  The best thing you can do for preventative care is to schedule annual visits to your veterinarian for your cat.  Your veterinarian will check for periodontal disease, examine your cat for early lesions and ideally, treat them before they become advanced and painful.

Any cat can develop tooth resorption.  It’s actually one of the most common oral conditions seen in cats.  Certain breeds such as Siamese, Persians, and Abyssinians seem to be more susceptible to this disease, but again, any cat can develop this condition. 

Signs that your cat may be suffering from tooth resorption include pain, mouth sensitivity, tooth fractures, tooth loss, loss of appetite, and weight loss.  As the lesions progress, you may notice drooling, trouble eating, reluctance to eat, bloody saliva, or swelling around the mouth and jaw.  Upon oral examination or a dental cleaning, your vet may identify tooth resorption.  However, dental x-rays may be necessary to evaluate the extent of the tooth and root damage and determine the appropriate treatment. 

Since feline tooth resorption is a progressive disease, most veterinary dentists feel that extraction of the tooth is the best option for all affected teeth, even if it the lesion is in an early phase.  These lesions are extremely painful for these poor kitties, so leaving the affected tooth alone and offering no treatment at all is simply not an option.  Your cat would be miserable, in pain, and may develop other health condition as a result of ignoring the lesion in their mouth.  After a tooth extraction, your cat may need to eat soft food for a while as a result of any soreness in their mouth.  Once the affected tooth is out, though, they should heal quickly.  Your vet will be able to recommend if your cat’s diet should change temporarily or permanently.    

As always, routine veterinary check-ups are the key to keeping your pet in good health from nose to tail!