One of my cats had such extensive gum disease and at least one tooth abcessed. She was not mine at the time, prior owner was an elderly lady. So it IS important to keep up with dental care, as a preventative just as humans do. Ruffles' gums and teath were cleaned, several teeth removed, and she was on antibiotics for a time. She was miserable and unhappy. Vet said it was because the elderly woman fed her canned food at least once a day all her life. This happened when Ruffles was 13, and about 3 months before she came to live with me.

I give them half a can of food once a week up to age 7 or 8, then twice a week to increase their fluid intake. So most of the time, they are on dry food, and no treats, which are soft.

I have had cats in for dental visits several times, always worry about the anesthesia. For older cats, my vet does more extensive blood work prior to the teeth cleaning, and also insists on fluids and . . . something else.

Hope this helps.
Freedom