Dental diseases are one of the most common health problems that cats face. In fact, more than half of cats over the age of four already have some form of dental disease. And four isn’t very old for a cat. By the time they’re eight or twelve, their risk has increased considerably.
The most common dental problems in cats usually fall into one of three categories: gingivitis, periodontitis, or tooth resorption. Let’s go over each one and discuss the treatments.
1. Gingivitis (Where It All Begins)
Almost every dental problem in cats starts here. Plaque builds up along the gumline and works its way beneath the gum tissue where it triggers inflammation. Red, puffy gums, a bit of blood on a toy or in the water bowl, or breath that’s suddenly worse than usual are all early signs. The good news is that gingivitis can usually be cured with a thorough dental cleaning.
2. Periodontitis (When Gingivitis Goes Untreated)
Without treatment, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, which is a different situation entirely because the damage becomes permanent. The tissue and bone holding the tooth in place start to break down, the teeth get loose, and the gums start to recede.
At this stage, a cat might tilt their head to chew on one side of their mouth, or avoid eating hard food altogether. Treatment for periodontal disease can include procedures like scaling, root planing, curettage, sulcus irrigation, polishing, or even tooth extractions.
3. Tooth Resorption (The Painful Mystery)
Tooth resorption is the strangest of the three, mostly because we still don’t fully understand what causes it. The tooth structure itself starts breaking down from the inside, beginning at the root and working outward. A 2023 study found that the disease shows up more often and more severely as cats get older, regardless of breed or sex. It’s one of the more painful dental conditions a cat can develop, and it’s frustratingly common.
The tricky thing about tooth resorption is that it happens inside the tooth, so a visual exam won’t help. And since this problem is so common (affecting up to 60% of cats) dental x-rays are an absolute necessity. That’s why we recommend yearly exams and dental cleanings for all cats.
Dental Care for Cats in Stafford, Texas
Cats are really good at masking pain. You can watch for signs of dental problems, like yellow teeth or bad breath, but without dental x-rays, it’s nearly impossible to tell when something’s wrong. If it has been more than a year since your cat’s last dental exam (or if they’ve never had one) we’re here to help. Contact Texas Veterinary Dental Center in Stafford to make an appointment today.
Photo by Ella Shm on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 7/21/26.