Quick answer: Most cats develop some dental disease as they age, including gum disease and painful tooth resorption. Signs include bad breath, drooling, red gums and dropping food, but many cats show no obvious signs. Regular vet dental exams, professional cleanings and home care like brushing help prevent pain.
Cats are very good at hiding mouth pain. Many keep eating even with sore teeth, so dental disease often goes unnoticed until it’s advanced.
That’s why dental care is one of the most important, and most overlooked, parts of keeping a cat healthy.
Common Cat Dental Problems
- Gingivitis and periodontal disease. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, leading to infection and, over time, tooth and bone loss.
- Tooth resorption. A painful condition where the tooth structure breaks down. It’s common in adult cats and the cause isn’t fully understood. Affected teeth usually need to be removed.
- Stomatitis. Severe, painful inflammation of the mouth. It often requires extensive treatment.
- Broken teeth, especially the long canine teeth.
Signs of Dental Pain
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums, or a red line along the gumline
- Brown or yellow tartar
- Drooling, sometimes with blood
- Dropping food, chewing on one side, or swallowing kibble whole
- Pawing at the mouth
- Eating less, or preferring soft food
- A scruffy coat from grooming less
How Vets Treat Dental Disease
A full dental cleaning for a cat is done under anesthesia. This lets the vet clean below the gumline, take dental X-rays (essential for finding tooth resorption and root problems), and remove painful teeth safely. Your vet will usually run bloodwork first to make sure anesthesia is safe, which is especially important for senior cats.
Many cats eat better and act happier after dental treatment, even owners who didn’t realize their cat was in pain.
Home Dental Care
- Brush your cat’s teeth with a cat toothbrush or finger brush and cat toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste.
- Go slow. Start by letting your cat lick the toothpaste, then touch the teeth, then brush a few seconds at a time.
- Try VOHC-accepted dental treats or diets for extra help.
- Check the mouth monthly by gently lifting the lips.
- Keep up with yearly dental exams.
Helpful Products
- Cat toothbrush and toothpaste kits: The gold standard for home dental care.
- Finger toothbrushes: Easier for cats new to brushing.
- VOHC-accepted cat dental treats: Helps reduce plaque between brushings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is dental disease in cats?
Very common. Many adult cats have some degree of dental disease, and it increases with age.
Can I brush my cat’s teeth?
Yes. Many cats accept brushing with slow, patient training. Use cat toothpaste only.
Is anesthesia safe for dental cleanings?
Your vet will check your cat’s health first, often with bloodwork. Anesthesia is needed to clean safely below the gumline and take X-rays.
Can cats live without teeth?
Yes. Many cats do well after tooth extractions, often better than before because the painful teeth are gone.
The Bottom Line
Dental disease is common, painful and easy to miss in cats. Look in your cat’s mouth, watch for subtle eating changes, brush if you can, and keep up with dental exams so your cat stays comfortable for life.
Keep reading:
- Common Cat Health Problems: Causes, Signs and When to See a Vet
- Caring for Senior Cats: Life With Our 12-Year-Old Brother-and-Sister Tabbies
- Cat Nutrition Basics: What to Feed for Optimal Health
- Complete Cat Care Guide: Tips for Happy and Healthy Cats
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