Gingivitis is a common gum disease found in both dogs and cats. If you own a cat like the Himalayan then you should keep an eye on his teeth to ensure healthy gums. Brushing your cat’s teeth routinely can help prevent gingivitis. You can also feed your cat crunchy snacks to help break down tartar and plaque. Bad breath is often a sign of gingivitis. If your Himalayan has bad breath you should call and make an appointment with your vet. Gingivitis causes inflammation and irritation to the gums and is one of the first stages of periodontal disease. If not treated it can lead to other gum or tooth related infections and diseases. Plaque and food build up or tartar build up can cause gingivitis. Advanced gingivitis can occur with plaque plus calculus builds up on the gums. Give your vet Carmel, IN a call for additional information.