How Poor Dental Hygiene Affects Your Cat’s Overall Health
It might surprise you to learn that cats commonly suffer from issues affecting their teeth, jaws, and mouth. Because cats are skilled at hiding discomfort and pain, it can be difficult for an owner to recognise when something is wrong. Your cat may appear happy and relaxed and may even continue eating and drinking normally. However, oral health issues can be a significant source of discomfort and suffering for cats.
Dental Disease in Cats: Why Oral Health Problems Are Often Missed
Cats instinctively mask pain, which means dental disease often progresses unnoticed. Even when experiencing oral discomfort, many cats continue to eat, making it easy for dental problems to go undetected until they become advanced and painful.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published October 2025 | Review date October 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Health Problems Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene in Cats
Poor dental hygiene can lead to a wide range of dental and systemic health problems in cats, including:
Common Signs and Conditions Linked to Feline Dental Disease
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
Dental abscesses
Tooth decay (dental caries)
Pawing at the mouth: Cats may paw at their mouths when experiencing pain or irritation.
Drooling: Excess saliva may occur due to oral discomfort.
Loss of appetite and weight loss: Dental disease can make eating painful. Cats may be reluctant to open their jaws fully, chew properly, or may drop food while eating. Over time, reduced food intake can lead to weight loss and a decline in body condition.
Tooth resorption: A common and painful condition in cats where the tooth structure (dentin) breaks down, causing holes, rot, and eventual tooth loss.
Oral tumours
Retained baby teeth
Broken teeth
Heart, kidney, and liver disease: Inflammation and bacteria originating in the mouth can spread through the bloodstream, potentially contributing to systemic illness and making it harder for your cat to fight disease.
How to Support Your Cat’s Dental Hygiene at Home
Daily brushing, or at least brushing a few times per week, is the most effective way to keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy. Adult cats may be resistant toothbrushing, so it’s ideal to introduce this habit when they are kittens and get them used to having their mouths handled.
How to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth: Practical Tips for Cat Owners
Start slowly by letting your cat lick cat-safe toothpaste from your finger or the toothbrush.
Use a soft-bristled brush with a small head to fit comfortably in their mouth.
Some cats prefer finger brushes, which can offer more control.
Gently lift the lip to brush the large canine teeth first, then work your way back to the premolars and molars.
Caring for Your Cat’s Teeth: Special Dental Health Considerations
Retained Baby Teeth in Cats: What Owners Should Know
Brushing alone cannot prevent this condition. Check your kitten’s mouth weekly between 3 and 6 months of age to ensure baby teeth fall out as adult teeth emerge. If baby teeth remain around 12 months old, visit your vet to have them removed to prevent dental disease and misalignment.
Oral Cancer in Cats: The Importance of Early Detection
Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent oral cancer in cats. However, early detection is crucial to improve treatment options and outcomes.
Why Routine Veterinary Dental Care Is Essential for Cats
Annual veterinary examinations and annual sedated dental cleanings with dental radiographs are essential. These procedures:
Allow vets to identify oral cancer earlier
Help prevent periodontal disease and the oral masses or inflammatory conditions that can result from it
Support overall oral health and long-term comfort
Protecting Your Cat’s Health Through Professional Dental Care and Home Hygiene
Combining professional dental care with good dental hygiene practices at home offers your cat the best chance of a healthy mouth, improved comfort, and a better prognosis should issues arise.
Further reading: Pet Dental Care at Animal Trust, Dental Heath Problems in Dogs