01 Apr Signs That Your Cat Has Dental Pain
Dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen by veterinarians. More than two-thirds of cats over three years of age have some degree of dental disease. In this blog, we will cover what to look for if you suspect dental issues, including common signs of dental pain in your cat, and some of the most common dental issues seen in cats.
Cats are notorious for hiding any signs of pain. While they are now a very common household pet, their intrinsic nature still leads them to mask any signs of pain or vulnerability, which does not make it easy for owners to detect when there might be a dental problem.
Signs of Dental Pain in Your Cat
Most cats with dental disease show no abnormal symptoms. Typically, their appetite is not affected. Dental problems may account for the “finicky appetites” that some cats display. However, dental problems typically do not cause a complete loss of appetite. Complete loss of appetite is often due to other medical conditions not related to the mouth. While it may be difficult to notice any true signs of dental pain, sometimes they provide clues that might indicate dental disease. Some clues include drooling, decreased appetite, swollen and bleeding gums and/or bad breath.
Common Dental Issues in Cats
Some of the most common dental issues seen in cats are periodontal disease, tooth resorption lesions and a condition called gingivostomatitis.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is the term used when inflammation and damage occur to the tissues around the tooth, including the gums, the bony socket where the tooth sits in the jawbone, and the connective tissue that holds the tooth in place (periodontal ligament). The most common cause of periodontal disease in cats is the response by the body’s immune system to the accumulation of plaque and calculus (tartar).
As the bacteria and plaque accumulate on the surface of the tooth, it becomes mineralized over time and forms calculus. The buildup of those components and decaying food and chemicals produced by the body’s inflammatory response are the cause of bad breath. Part of this immune response is also responsible for inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. If caught early enough, through professional anesthetized dental scaling and polishing, followed by home dental care, the teeth and gums can be kept reasonably healthy.
However, if gingivitis persists untreated, then irreversible periodontal disease will occur. During this process, the bone and ligaments that support the tooth are slowly destroyed by the bacteria and enzymes from the body’s immune response, leading to deep pockets in the gum tissue, which then leads to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss!
What are Tooth Resorption Lesions?
Tooth resorption lesions result from a progressive destruction of the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth, resulting in slowly deepening “holes” in affected teeth. These lesions typically start at the root of the teeth, which can only be seen by dental imaging. When the lesions reach the part of the tooth that you can see (the crown), they expose the sensitive part of the tooth deep to the surface. Once the sensitive part of the tooth is exposed, the lesions are intensely painful, and the only effective treatment is the extraction of the tooth.
The cause of this condition is still unknown, and treatment other than removal of the tooth is ineffective.
Gingivostomatitis
Gingivostomatitis is similar to periodontal disease but is much more severe. With gingivostomatitis, cats not only develop inflammation around the teeth, but also the throat, cheeks, and possibly the lips and/or tongue. This condition is one of the more painful conditions that can develop in the oral cavity. In some patients, it can be difficult to tell if the oral problems are related to periodontal disease, tooth resorption lesions, or gingivostomatitis. In fact, all three of these conditions can be present at the same time! Ouch!
The exact cause of gingivostomatitis is still not fully understood, but it is likely due to multiple factors that can vary from patient to patient.
The most effective treatment for this condition is the extraction of most, if not all, of the teeth.
Believe it or not, but most cats (roughly 60%-80%) with this condition, who have most or all teeth removed, do very well and often thrive in a significantly more comfortable mouth. And yes, they can still eat with no teeth, and very often they still prefer hard kibble over canned food. They simply swallow the kernels whole.
There are some cases that are more difficult to treat even after extraction, and an even smaller number of cases that do not respond to any treatment for gingivostomatitis.
What Can I Do to Keep My Cat’s Oral Cavity as Healthy as Possible?
Dental home care for cats is very beneficial to keep the plaque and calculus buildup at bay. Unfortunately, home dental care does not prevent tooth resorption lesions and is ineffective at controlling or preventing severe conditions like gingivostomatitis.
There are some diets currently on the market that are formulated to help reduce tartar accumulation. One such prescription diet is “Hills Prescription Diet t/d”.
The most effective thing you can do as a kitty parent is to make sure to take your feline friend to your veterinarian for yearly exams, which should include a thorough oral exam and yearly anesthetized dental cleanings with full mouth x-rays.
How to Protect Your Cat from Dental Pain
Dental disease is common in cats and can be difficult to detect due to their tendency to hide discomfort. Recognizing subtle signs like drooling, bad breath, or gum inflammation can help identify issues earlier and prevent more serious complications. Understanding these signs of dental pain in your cat and seeking care when needed plays an important role in protecting your cat’s overall health and comfort.
If you suspect your cat may be experiencing dental pain, contact us today to schedule an evaluation and ensure your pet receives the care they need.
Photo by Erik-Jan Leusink on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 03/31/2026