Dental Disease in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems in cats, especially in adult and senior cats. While not an emergency, untreated dental disease can lead to serious health complications over time.

Signs and Symptoms of Dental Disease in Cats

Cat owners should watch for these warning signs:

• Bad breath - The most common indicator, caused by bacterial accumulation in the mouth
• Red, swollen gums - Healthy gums should be light pink; inflamed gums appear dark red and swollen
• Excessive drooling - May contain traces of blood
• Decreased appetite - Cats may eat less due to oral pain
• Difficulty chewing - Avoiding using the painful side, or dropping food while eating
• Pawing at the mouth - Attempting to relieve discomfort
• Behavioral changes - Avoiding face/mouth contact, increased irritability

Causes and Disease Progression

Dental disease results from plaque buildup on tooth surfaces. Plaque is a film composed of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which cannot be removed with regular brushing.

The disease progresses through 4 stages:

1. Stage 1 (Gingivitis): Mild gum inflammation; reversible with professional cleaning
2. Stage 2: Beginning destruction of tooth-supporting tissues; treatment can slow progression
3. Stage 3: Destruction of more than 50% of tooth roots; teeth may become loose or wobbly
4. Stage 4: Severe destruction; tooth loss or infection spreading to jaw bone

Important risk factors include increasing age, lack of oral care, brachycephalic breeds (such as Persians), and exclusive wet food diets without chewing stimulation.

When to See a Veterinarian

You should bring your cat to the vet if you notice any of the following:

• Unusually bad breath
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Significant decrease in appetite
• Lumps or swelling around the face or jaw

Your veterinarian will perform an oral examination and may recommend professional dental cleaning under anesthesia (dental prophylaxis) to remove tartar and treat gum disease. Severely damaged teeth may need extraction.

Prevention and Care

Prevention is key to maintaining your cat's oral health:

• Regular tooth brushing - Start young using veterinary toothpaste (never human toothpaste)
• Dental treats - Treats designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup
• Dental-health foods - Kibble with special textures that help clean teeth during chewing
• Annual dental checkups - Visit your veterinarian for oral examinations at least yearly
• Pet-safe oral rinses - Help reduce bacterial load in the mouth

Caring for your cat's oral health doesn't just prevent pain and tooth loss—it also helps prevent infections that can spread to other organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. Starting early dental care helps ensure your cat maintains good quality of life long-term.