What would you do if someone told you there is a hidden issue silently affecting the comfort and well-being of many beloved kitties, something we might not even notice until it becomes a significant (and painful) problem?That hidden issue is feline dental disease.Dental problems are incredibly common, affecting a surprisingly high number of cats. Studies have found that between 50 and 90% of cats over the age of four are currently living with some form of dental disease, but it often goes unnoticed because our feline friends are masters of hiding pain.This guide will help you learn to recognize even the most subtle warning signs that your cat may be dealing with dental problems, the most common types of dental disease in cats, and how to prioritize dental care to prevent a problem before it develops.Understanding Dental Problems in CatsIt’s easy to assume that if your cat is acting normally, their mouth is fine. But the reality is that dental disease is a progressive struggle that often starts small and silently gets worse over time.It begins when bacteria in your cat’s mouth mix with food particles and saliva to form plaque – a soft, sticky film that coats their teeth. If that plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar. Once tartar forms, it creates a rough surface that allows even more plaque to accumulate, laying the foundation for more serious issues to develop.While that summarizes the basics, dental disease isn’t a single problem. Instead, as the plaque and tartar continue to get worse, it can develop into a spectrum of conditions. Understanding these different conditions is the first step toward recognizing that your cat might be suffering and taking the necessary steps to help them feel better.GingivitisThis is the earliest stage of dental disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums. It’s primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria along the gum line. You may notice your cat’s gums appearing red, swollen, or even bleeding easily, especially when touched or when your cat eats. You may also see small amounts of blood on your cat’s favourite chew toys.The good news is that gingivitis is often reversible with professional veterinary dental cleaning and consistent at-home dental care. The key to success is catching it early!Periodontal DiseaseIf gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease. This is a much more serious condition that affects not just the gums but also the deeper structures that support the tooth, such as the bone and ligaments that hold the tooth in its socket. The bacteria and inflammation start to destroy these supporting structures, leading to the formation of “pockets” under the gumline where bacteria can accumulate.The damage caused by periodontal disease ultimately leads to bone loss, receding gums, and eventually, painful tooth loss. Unlike gingivitis, advanced periodontal disease is often irreversible, although its progression can be managed to avoid further complications. Your vet can also help with pain management to keep your cat comfortable.Tooth ResorptionIf you haven’t heard of this before, you’re not alone. This incredibly common and often very painful condition is unique to cats and one that many cat parents are unfamiliar with. It occurs when cells called odontoclasts, which are typically involved in tooth development, begin to erode and destroy the tooth's structure. This condition often begins inside the tooth or below the gum line.Because the lesions often start below the gum line, they can be difficult to spot without X-rays. However, affected cats may show signs of pain when eating (suddenly dropping food, chattering their jaws, reluctance to chew on one side), drooling, or increased sensitivity when the mouth is touched.StomatitisThis is a severe, widespread, and extremely painful inflammation of the entire mouth, not just the gums around the teeth. It can affect the gums, tongue, cheeks, and the back of the throat. Stomatitis is often an immune-mediated condition caused by the cat’s immune system overreacting to the bacteria and plaque in their mouth.Cats with stomatitis are in severe pain, massively impacting their quality of life. They are often uninterested in or unable to eat, excessively drooling, and may have very bad breath. Managing stomatitis can be challenging and usually requires aggressive treatment. In many cases, it will require full-month tooth extractions to relieve the pain and inflammation.Fractured TeethJust like humans, cats can fracture their teeth. This can happen from chewing on hard objects (like certain toys) or from trauma, such as a big fall. A previous cat of my own suffered a fractured tooth after slipping off a bookshelf she was trying to climb.When a tooth is fractured, it can expose the sensitive inner portion, which contains nerves and blood vessels. This is incredibly painful and also creates an open pathway for bacteria to enter, leading to infections and the formation of abscesses. For this reason, fractured teeth require immediate vet attention to both prevent infection and address your cat’s pain.Warning Signs of Dental DiseaseThe tricky part about dental disease is the fact that cats are masters of disguise. In the wild, showing any sign of weakness (like pain or illness) could make them vulnerable to predators. Despite their shift into life as a pampered housecat, the instinct to hide their pain remains strong. Often, they will suffer in silence, and by the time we notice something is wrong, the condition has progressed to more advanced stages.This is why it’s so crucial for us to be in tune with our cats and aware of even the most subtle changes. Don’t wait for your cat to scream in pain.Behavioral Changes (Often Subtle)These are the most common red flags, but they require a keen eye and understanding of your cat’s everyday habits. After all, no one knows your cat better than you.You might first notice changes in their eating habits. Your cat might start chewing more slowly, dropping pieces of food, or tilting their head to one side while chewing to avoid a painful area. If your cat suddenly seems picky about their dry food or treats, but eagerly digs into their wet food, it could be a sign that chewing hard kibble is simply too painful. Even a slight change in appetite or less enthusiasm at mealtimes should warrant investigation. Changes in grooming are another subtle sign. If your cat is experiencing pain from dental problems, self-grooming may be uncomfortable, painful, or impossible. You may notice that your cat has developed matted fur, their coat appears unkempt, or there are bits of food remaining around their mouth after a meal.A previously social cat might start hiding more often or avoid interacting with other pets or people in the home. If your cat normally enjoys head scratches but suddenly flinches or reacts negatively when you even lightly touch their mouth or face, it’s a strong sign that they’re in pain. A general lack of energy or disinterest in play, especially their favorite games, could also be a sign that something’s wrong.Watch out for excessive drooling. While some cats might drool when happy, persistent or excessive drooling, especially if it’s thick, discolored, or contains streaks of blood, is a major warning sign. This can be a sign of pain, nausea, or difficulty swallowing comfortably.Finally, you may notice your cat pawing at their mouth or face. They might bat at their mouth with a paw, rub their face on furniture or the floor, or repeatedly yawn or make chewing motions. These are all attempts to alleviate the pain and discomfort they are experiencing. This is a clear sign that something is bothering them.
