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The Purr-fect Grin: A Guide To Your Cat's Dental Health

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What Is Cat Dental Disease?

Cat dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a very common health issue in cats that can significantly affect their quality of life. It typically begins with the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food debris that constantly forms on the tooth surface. Over time, if not removed, plaque hardens into tartar (also known as calculus). This hardened substance strongly bonds to tooth enamel and can cause gingivitis (gum inflammation).

The image is a close-up of a cat's mouth, showing significant dental issues. There is extensive plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, particularly on the molars and premolars, which appear very discolored with a yellowish-brown, crusty accumulation. The gums are red and inflamed, indicating gingivitis or periodontal disease. Some teeth appear to be missing or severely affected by the disease. The inside of the mouth is pink, and white fur is visible at the top of the image, suggesting a white or light-colored cat.

If left unaddressed, it can lead to pain, tooth loss, jaw bone degeneration, and even contribute to other serious health problems affecting vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Plaque, Tartar & Gingivitis

 

Plaque

This is a colourless film made up of saliva, food debris, and microorganisms like bacteria. You might feel it as a “slimy” or “furry” coating on your teeth at the end of the day. If plaque isn’t consistently removed manually, it can harden into tartar.

Tartar

Tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that forms on teeth when plaque isn’t removed consistently. It starts as soft, sticky plaque, but minerals from saliva cause it to harden, usually within 24 to 72 hours. The longer the teeth are not cleaned and cared for, the more tartar that forms. Unlike plaque, which can be brushed away, tartar requires professional dental tools for removal.

Gingivitis

This is gum inflammation caused by plaque and bacteria buildup along the gum line. Gingivitis is painful, and the gums may appear red, swollen, and tender. As it progresses, the gums are prone to bleeding when chewing, eating, or even during brushing. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to further gum disease, irreversible gum recession, root exposure, jaw bone degradation, and eventually tooth loss.

An illustration contrasting a healthy tooth and gums with a tooth affected by periodontitis. On the left, a

What Causes Dental Disease In Cats?

Several factors contribute to dental disease in cats including:

Limited Dental Care

Unlike humans, cats don’t receive daily dental care, unless their owners provide it. Without regular brushing, plaque and tartar build up quickly.

Diet

Cats primarily fed soft or wet foods are often more prone to dental issues. Kibble or dental-specific diets can help scrape plaque off teeth as it develops.

Age

The risk of dental disease increases with age. By age three, most cats show signs of periodontal disease.

Breed & Genetic

Some breeds are more predisposed to dental problems. Short-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Persians are often more susceptible due to tooth crowding.

What Are The Signs?

    • Bad breath (halitosis)
    • Red, inflamed or bleeding gum lines
    • Yellow or brown staining or buildup on the teeth
    • Drooling
    • Loose or missing teeth
    • Difficulty eating or chewing
    • ​​​​​​​Pawing at the mouth
    • Reduced appetite or weight loss (in advanced cases)
A close-up, angled view of an open cat's mouth, showing its teeth and gums. The cat has a white chin and a grey and white muzzle. A hand in a blue glove is gently holding the upper lip to reveal the upper and lower teeth. The teeth appear discolored with a yellowish-brown buildup of tartar, particularly on the canines and molars. The gums are red and inflamed, especially around the base of the teeth, indicating gum disease. Some areas of the gums also appear to be receding.

My Cat Still Eats, So They Can’t Be in Pain, Right?

It’s a common misconception that if a pet is still eating, they aren’t in pain. However, animals are incredibly good at hiding pain. Their instinct to eat to survive often takes precedence, even when chewing hurts.

Because of this, many pets with significant dental disease will continue to eat, though they might be experiencing considerable discomfort.

Signs of pain can be subtle, and often, by the time a pet shows obvious signs like difficulty eating or a complete loss of appetite, the dental disease is already advanced.

Beyond The Mouth

Dental disease is more than just bad breath; it can lead to serious health issues that affect your cat’s overall well-being. Cats with dental disease carry a higher bacterial load in their mouths. When gums are inflamed, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream directly. Once in circulation, they can spread to and infect other organs, especially the liver, kidneys, and heart.

With regular care and attention, you can help your cat maintain a healthy mouth and avoid painful and costly dental problems down the line. Talk to your veterinarian about your cat’s dental health to create a care plan that fits their needs. A little effort today can contribute to a healthy, happy life for your beloved companion tomorrow.

How To Look After Your Cats Teeth

 

Daily Toothbrushing

This is the most effective way to remove plaque. Use a soft pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste; never use human toothpaste. It may take time to train your cat, but even brushing a few times a week can make a significant difference. Using positive reinforcement and cooperative care techniques can help your cat learn to accept brushing.

A head-on, mid-shot captures a fluffy grey cat with yellow eyes, looking directly at the camera with a slightly disgruntled expression. A human hand, visible on the left side of the frame, holds a blue and white toothbrush, which the cat is biting down on. The cat's fur is a mix of grey tones with some white fur on its chest and chin. The background is a clean, bright white, providing a stark contrast to the cat and the hand. The lighting is even and bright, highlighting the cat's features and the texture of its fur.

Dental Diets

Look for food approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These products are scientifically designed and proven to reduce plaque and/or tartar buildup. We regularly recommend dental diets such as Hill’s and Royal Canin. Please note that some of the products listed on the VOHC may not be available in Australia.

A head-on, mid-shot captures a fluffy grey cat with yellow eyes, looking directly at the camera with a slightly disgruntled expression. A human hand, visible on the left side of the frame, holds a blue and white toothbrush, which the cat is biting down on. The cat's fur is a mix of grey tones with some white fur on its chest and chin. The background is a clean, bright white, providing a stark contrast to the cat and the hand. The lighting is even and bright, highlighting the cat's features and the texture of its fur.

Treats

Look for treats approved by the VOHC. Greenies cat treats are specially formulated with a crunchy texture that is designed to reduce tartar buildup by enabling your cat’s teeth to sink deeply into the treat.
You can learn more here: Greenies

A picture of a bag of Greenies Cat Treats

Water Additives, Oral Powders and Oral Rinses

These products can help reduce bacterial load and freshen breath, although they are not a substitute for regular brushing. Stick to those on the VOHC list and use as directed.
Plaque Off Powder aids in softening and removal of existing tartar build up and prevents new tartar from forming, reducing bad breath.

A picture of Plaque Off Powder for Cats

Bones…?

Giving cats bones for dental health is controversial, as the potential risks might outweigh any benefits. Chewing bones can cause serious issues such as tooth fractures, gum damage, and gastrointestinal problems, including blockages.
Chewing bones may help to remove tartar from the tips of a cat’s teeth. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t clean the base, below the gumline or effectively prevent the plaque buildup responsible for dental issues.
If you choose to feed bones, ensure they are size-appropriate (bigger than your cat’s mouth), uncooked, and given only under supervision.

a picture of a brown tabby cat sitting over a plate of cooked meat and bones, the cat has it's mouth open

Regular Veterinary Dental Exams

Annual dental check-ups with your veterinarian can catch problems early. Your vet may recommend professional dental cleanings under anesthesia if required, which allows for thorough cleaning.

a picture of a brown bengal spotty cat with a hand gently petting under it's chin

Dental Cleaning By A Vet

Cats, unfortunately, require general anaesthesia for dental procedures. Taking dental x-rays, probing the gumlines, using loud and vibrational instruments like scalers, injecting local anaesthetic and removing a tooth from a cat that is awake would be impossible. It would also be incredibly stressful and unsafe for the pet and wouldn’t allow for proper treatment.

Dental cleaning by a veterinarian usually includes the following services:

    • Oral health examination to assess the condition of the teeth, roots, gums, and overall mouth
    • Full-mouth dental X-rays to check the health of tooth structures and root systems
    • Scale and polish to remove plaque and tartar, including under the gum line
    • Local anesthetic application to numb the area
    • Tooth/teeth extraction
    • Suturing the gum line closed (if required)

Dental Staging

At Paws At Prospect Vet, we use a two-stage protocol for our dental procedures to address varying degrees of dental disease in pets.  This is becoming a more common practice in veterinary medicine.

But what is dental staging, and why do we do it? Learn more in our blog, Dental Staging: Sometimes 2 Is Better Than 1

A close-up shot of a dental scaling procedure being performed on a cat's tooth. A gloved hand holds a lit dental scaler, which is vibrating against a discolored canine tooth, presumably removing plaque and tartar. Fine mist or water droplets are visible around the scaler tip, indicating the use of an ultrasonic scaler. The surrounding gum tissue appears somewhat red.

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