Dental disease is one of the most common conditions vets see in cats, and it gets more likely with age. It is painful, it can make cats eat less, and many cats show no obvious signs, so regular checks and a little home care make a real difference.
How common is it?
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, more than half of all cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease. Many do not show signs an owner can easily see.
Signs to watch for
- Bad breath
- Pawing at the mouth, head shaking or jaw chattering
- Drooling, sometimes with blood in the saliva
- Chewing awkwardly, dropping food or swallowing it whole
- Finicky eating, such as refusing dry food and preferring wet food
- Weight loss, if eating becomes uncomfortable
- Red or swollen gums, or visible tartar
A cat with a painful mouth may eat the same amount and still look fine. That is why a vet check matters.
What causes it?
Plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, builds up on the teeth and irritates the gums, causing gingivitis. Without regular brushing, plaque hardens into tartar within about 36 to 48 hours. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss, abscesses and deeper infection.
Tooth resorption is another common problem in cats. It is a slow, progressive destruction of the tooth. Its cause is unknown, and it is very painful. VCA notes extraction is the only effective treatment.
Professional cleaning
- A proper dental cleaning needs general anaesthesia. Cleaning an awake cat only polishes the surface and cannot find or treat disease below the gum line.
- The vet examines the whole mouth, takes dental X-rays, scales and polishes the teeth, and removes any teeth that are badly diseased or painful.
- How often depends on the cat. Some need a cleaning every 6 to 12 months.
- Before anaesthesia in older cats, vets usually check bloodwork, especially the kidneys. See kidney disease in cats.
Do not scrape tartar off at home with metal tools. It can scratch the enamel and make plaque build up faster.
Home care
- Brush daily if you can. It is the most effective way to cut plaque and tartar.
- Use the right toothpaste. Choose a non-foaming toothpaste made for pets. Never use human toothpaste.
- Start slowly. Let your cat taste the paste, then touch the gums, then brush a few teeth at a time.
- Look for the VOHC seal. Products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal have been shown to reduce plaque or tartar.
If your cat's mouth is sore, softer food may help. Compare the options in wet vs dry cat food.
Dental health in senior cats
Dental pain can cause weight loss and poor appetite in older cats, and these signs overlap with kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. Check the mouth at your senior visit. See senior cat health, when a cat is considered senior and cat life stages.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my cat has dental problems?
Bad breath, drooling, dropping food, pawing at the mouth or fussy eating are common signs, but many cats show none. A vet's mouth exam is the best check.
Does my cat really need anaesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Yes. Vets recommend a full anaesthetic so they can scale below the gum line, take X-rays and treat problem teeth safely.
Can I brush my cat's teeth?
Yes, with a pet toothpaste. Daily brushing is most effective, and many cats accept it if you go slowly.
Do dental treats and dry food clean teeth?
Some products with the VOHC seal have evidence that they reduce plaque or tartar. They help but do not replace brushing and vet checks.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your cat has a painful mouth, see a vet.