Cat Dental Disease: Signs, Treatment, Brushing and Prevention

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Many cat owners assume that a little bad breath is normal. It is not. Dental disease affects the majority of cats by the age of three, and it can cause real pain, infection and even harm to the heart and kidneys. Because cats mask discomfort, owners often miss it until the disease is advanced.

What is dental disease?

Plaque, a film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth. If it is not removed, it hardens into tartar and inflames the gums. This is gingivitis. If it progresses, infection spreads to the structures that hold the teeth in place, called periodontal disease. Teeth loosen, roots become infected, and bacteria can enter the bloodstream.

Other common dental problems

Tooth resorption. Cats commonly develop lesions in which the tooth is gradually destroyed from within. They are painful, often hidden under the gums, and need dental X-rays to diagnose. Treatment usually means extraction.

Stomatitis. A severe, painful inflammation of the gums and mouth, where the immune system reacts to plaque. It may need extensive treatment, including extractions.

Fractured teeth. From chewing hard objects or trauma.

Oral tumors. Less common, but important to catch early.

Signs to watch for

• Bad breath
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Brown tartar on the teeth
• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Chewing on one side, dropping food or eating less
• Preferring soft food
• Weight loss
• Changes in grooming, with a scruffy coat
• Irritability or hiding

Cats seldom stop eating until the pain is severe. See the emergency warning signs guide for signs that a cat needs urgent care, including not eating.

Veterinary dental care

Treatment requires a professional exam and cleaning under general anesthesia. This allows the vet to:

• Perform dental X-rays, since much disease lies below the gums
• Clean above and below the gumline
• Polish the teeth
• Extract diseased teeth
• Give pain relief and antibiotics where needed

Anesthesia-free dentistry is not recommended. It cleans only the visible surface, cannot detect or treat disease under the gumline and may give a false sense of security. Before anesthesia, your vet will examine your cat and usually run blood tests, especially in seniors. See the senior cat care guide.

Dental work can be expensive, particularly if extractions are needed. See cat vet visit costs, and use the US vet directory to find a clinic or a veterinary dentist.

After treatment

Cats usually recover quickly, even after multiple extractions, and many show improved energy and appetite. Your vet may recommend soft food for a few days, pain medication and a recheck. Cats do well without many teeth.

Brushing your cat's teeth

Daily brushing is the best at-home prevention.

1. Use cat toothpaste. Human toothpaste contains fluoride and other ingredients that are harmful. Poultry or fish-flavored cat pastes are accepted by many cats.
2. Start slowly. Let the cat lick the paste from your finger.
3. Touch the gums and teeth with a finger, then with a gauze-wrapped finger.
4. Introduce a small cat toothbrush or finger brush.
5. Brush the outer surfaces, using small circles along the gumline, a few teeth at a time.
6. Reward with praise, play or a treat.

Build up over weeks. Even a few times a week helps. Kittens learn most easily, so start young. See how to socialize a kitten.

Other aids

Dental diets, water additives, dental treats and gels may reduce plaque, and some carry a Veterinary Oral Health Council seal. They are helpful additions but do not replace brushing or professional care. Avoid hard bones and antlers, which can break teeth. See can cats eat bones.

How often should teeth be checked?

Your vet should examine your cat's mouth at every annual exam, and at senior checkups every six months. Ask for a dental grade, and request a plan if disease is found.

Dental disease and overall health

Chronic mouth infection can strain the kidneys, liver and heart, and pain reduces quality of life. Treating dental disease often improves appetite, grooming and mood, and many owners say their cat seems younger afterward.

Questions to ask your vet

Ask what grade of dental disease your cat has, whether X-rays were taken, which teeth were removed and what home care is advised. Request a written plan and a date for a recheck. If your cat has other conditions, such as kidney or heart disease, ask how they affect anesthesia and pain control. Good communication helps you budget, since dental work is often the largest single expense in a healthy adult cat's year.

Keeping up after treatment

Once the mouth is healthy, maintenance is far easier. Brush a few times a week, schedule regular checks and watch appetite and weight. Many cats regain interest in food and play after dental pain is treated, which is a good sign that the treatment is working.

Breeds at higher risk

Flat-faced breeds, such as the Persian and the Exotic Shorthair, often have crowded teeth. Some breeds are prone to gum disease or resorption. Ask your vet about screening and early care.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.