If your American Shorthair has recently been diagnosed with gingivitis, then you may want to talk with your vet to learn more about periodontal disease and ways to treat it. One of the first things to understand is that gingivitis in American Shorthairs is similar to gingivitis in humans. This means the disease is caused by food or plaque build-up. It also means that it can be treated and reversed if caught early. In people, plaque can build-up due to a lack of teeth brushing. The same can be said in American Shorthairs. This is why some vets recommend at home teeth brushing or professional teeth cleaning for your American Shorthair. Gingivitis causing plaque build-up can also occur for other reasons including old age, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, soft food, breathing through the mouth, bad chewing habits, uremia and diabetes, autoimmune diseases, FeLV (Feline Leukemia), and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). Contact your veterinary clinic London, ON for additional information.