Dental disease is one of the most common — and most overlooked — health problems in cats. The majority of adult cats have some degree of it, yet because cats hide pain and keep eating, owners rarely spot it until it is advanced. Left untreated, it causes real suffering and can affect overall health.
Signs to watch for
- Bad breath (not normal in cats — it usually signals a problem)
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or dropping food
- Eating on one side, or going off harder food
- Yellow-brown tartar along the gumline
Prevention and care
The gold standard is regular tooth brushing with a cat-specific toothpaste — never human toothpaste — introduced slowly and gently. Dental treats and certain diets can help reduce plaque between brushings. Many cats resist brushing, so build it up patiently and reward cooperation.
Professional treatment
Home care slows tartar but cannot remove what has hardened. Cats need periodic veterinary dental check-ups, and sometimes a professional cleaning under anaesthesia to treat disease and remove damaged teeth. Painful conditions like tooth resorption are common in cats and only a vet can diagnose them. An annual mouth check is well worth it.
