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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?

Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a very common health issue in cats. It typically begins with plaque accumulation. Over time, if not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which leads to gingivitis (gum inflammation).

If left unaddressed, dental disease 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.

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.
Illustration of a tooth with soft, pale yellow plaque buildup on the sides.

Plaque

This is a sticky, colourless film made up of saliva, food debris, and 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.

Illustration of a tooth with yellow-brown tartar buildup.

Tartar

Tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that forms on teeth. It forms after minerals from saliva cause plaque 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.

Illustration of a tooth with red, inflamed gums showing gingivitis.

Gingivitis

Gum inflammation is caused by plaque and bacterial buildup along the gum line. The gums may appear red, swollen, and sore, bleed, and become infected. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to further gum disease, irreversible gum recession, root exposure, jaw bone degradation, and 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, and traditional kibble also doesn’t help prevent dental disease as it tends to crumble or be swallowed whole.

Age

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

Breed & Genetics

Short-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Persians are often more susceptible due to tooth overcrowding.

Medical Conditions

Cats can develop oral conditions or systemic illnesses that trigger or worsen dental disease. Examples include Feline Tooth Resorption, Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis, chronic kidney disease, and viral infections such as Feline Calicivirus, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Leukemia Virus.

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
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.

They Still Eat! It’s a common misconception that if a cat is still eating, their mouth isn’t sore. However, animals are very good at hiding discomfort. Their instinct to eat for survival is strong, so cats will keep eating even if chewing is painful.
If a pet shows obvious signs like difficulty chewing or reluctance to eat, the dental disease is already advanced.

Beyond The Mouth

Dental disease is more than just bad breath and dirty teeth. It can lead to serious health issues that affect a cat’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Cats with dental disease carry a higher bacterial load in their mouths. When gums are inflamed, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream directly through tiny breaks in the tissue. Once in circulation, this temporary presence of bacteria can cause systemic inflammation and potentially damage internal organs, particularly the kidneys, liver, and heart.

How To Look After Your Cat’s Teeth

 

Daily Toothbrushing

The gold standard. Toothbrushing is the most effective way to remove plaque, and it is also the cheapest! Use a soft pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste (never use human toothpaste). It may take time to train your cat, but using positive reinforcement and cooperative care techniques can help your cat learn to accept brushing.

All other options (below) are not a substitute for regular brushing and work best as a complementary treatment.

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.

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.​ Stick to those on the VOHC list and use as directed.
Plaque Off Powder can help prevent new plaque and tartar from forming while softening existing buildup over time, making it easier to remove and helping to reduce bad breath.

A picture of Plaque Off Powder for Cats

Bones…?

​Giving cats bones for dental health is controversial, as the risks can outweigh any potential benefits.

Chewing bones might help remove tartar from the tips of a cat’s teeth. However, it does not clean the base of the tooth, areas below the gumline, or effectively prevent plaque buildup.

Chewing bones can cause serious problems such as tooth fractures, gum damage, choking, and gastrointestinal issues, including tears and blockages. Uncooked bones can harbour bacteria, and cooked bones can splinter.

Because of these risks, the RSPCA advises against feeding bones. You can learn more here.

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. If needed, your vet may recommend professional dental cleanings under anesthesia.
This allows for thorough cleaning and prevention before serious dental problems occur.

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, vibration-based instruments like scalers, injecting local anaesthetic, and removing a tooth from a cat while they are awake would be impossible and dangerous.

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)
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.

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 this way? Learn more in our blog, Dental Staging: Sometimes 2 Is Better Than 1

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