What is Dental Disease in Cats

Cats can hide signs of dental pain, so changes in their eating habits, behaviour or mouth can be important clues. 

Signs of dental disease can include: 

• Bad breath 

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums 

• Drooling, sometimes with blood in the saliva 

• Pawing or rubbing at the mouth 

• Dropping food or difficulty eating 

• Eating less or refusing food 

• Chewing differently or showing discomfort when eating 

• Difficulty swallowing 

• Wobbly or missing teeth 

• Reduced grooming 

You may also notice changes in your cat’s behaviour, such as becoming less willing to have their head or mouth touched, or becoming quieter or more withdrawn. 

Cats can hide dental pain, so contact your vet if you notice signs of dental disease or a change in your cat’s usual eating habits or behaviour. 

Contact your vet urgently if your cat: 

• Appears to be in significant pain 

• Is unable or unwilling to eat or drink 

• Has marked swelling around the face or jaw 

• Has significant bleeding from the mouth 

• Is unable to close their mouth 

Dental disease is diagnosed through a clinical examination by a vet. They will examine your cat’s mouth and look for signs of disease affecting the teeth and gums. 

If dental treatment is needed, a more detailed examination can be carried out under general anaesthesia as part of the dental procedure. Each tooth and the surrounding gums can then be examined closely and the findings recorded using dental charting. 

Dental X-rays are important in cats because some dental problems, including feline resorptive lesions and disease below the gum line, cannot be fully assessed by looking at the visible tooth surface alone. X-rays can help assess the tooth roots and surrounding bone and identify disease that may otherwise be hidden. 

Treatment depends on the type and severity of dental disease and the individual needs of your cat. Your vet will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on what they find during the examination. 

Treatment may include professional dental cleaning, extraction of diseased or painful teeth, pain relief or other medication where appropriate. 

Some dental conditions, including feline resorptive lesions and advanced periodontal disease, may require affected teeth to be removed. 

Regular dental care can help reduce the build-up of plaque and support your cat’s oral health. 

There are a range of ways to help care for your cat’s teeth at home, including toothbrushing, dental diets, chews, gels, wipes and powders. The most suitable options will depend on your individual cat. 

For more information about caring for your pet’s teeth at home, see our Dental Care at Home article. 

Regular veterinary checks can also help identify dental problems and determine whether your cat needs further assessment or treatment. 

The outlook for cats with dental disease depends on the condition and how advanced it is. Appropriate treatment can relieve pain and improve your cat’s oral health. Regular dental care at home and veterinary checks can help identify problems early and support ongoing dental health.