Quick answer
Cat dental disease is very common. Cornell estimates 50% to 90% of cats over age 4 have some form of it. The main types are gum inflammation, periodontal disease and tooth resorption, where teeth break down from the inside. Cats hide mouth pain well, so bad breath, drooling or chewing on one side are worth a vet visit. Treatment is a cleaning under anesthesia with dental x-rays, and painful teeth are removed.
What is cat dental disease?
Cat dental disease covers several problems of the teeth and gums. They’re so common that most cats will have at least one by middle age. Cornell estimates that 50% to 90% of cats over age 4 have some form of dental disease.
The three most common types are gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth resorption. Some cats also get a severe, painful inflammation of the whole mouth called stomatitis.
| Problem | What happens | Can it be reversed? |
|---|---|---|
| Gingivitis | Plaque inflames the gums, which turn red and swollen at the tooth line | Usually, with cleaning and home care |
| Periodontal disease | Infection destroys the gum, ligament and bone that hold the tooth | No, but treatment stops it progressing |
| Resorptive lesions | The tooth breaks down from the inside, often at the gum line | No. Affected teeth are usually removed |
| Stomatitis | Severe inflammation of the gums and the back of the mouth | Often improves a lot after extractions |
What are the signs of dental disease in cats?
Cats rarely stop eating because of mouth pain until it’s severe. Most keep eating and just change how they eat. Look for these signs:
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums, or a red line along the teeth
- Brown tartar on the teeth
- Drooling, sometimes with blood
- Chewing on one side, tilting the head or dropping food
- Swallowing kibble whole or suddenly preferring soft food
- Pawing at the mouth or chattering the jaw
- Grooming less, so the coat looks greasy or matted
A cat that stops eating completely needs a vet within a day. Cats that go without food can develop serious liver disease, so see our guide on a cat not eating. If you’re unsure how urgent your cat’s signs are, try our should I take my cat to the vet? check.
How does periodontal disease progress?
It starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth. Left in place, it hardens into tartar and spreads under the gum line. The body’s reaction to that bacteria slowly destroys the tissue and bone around each tooth.
Vets grade it in four stages based on how much support around the tooth is lost.
| Stage | What it means | Typical treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Gum inflammation only, no bone loss | Cleaning and home care |
| Stage 2 | Early periodontitis, up to 25% support lost | Cleaning, sometimes treatment below the gums |
| Stage 3 | Moderate, 25% to 50% support lost | Deep cleaning or extraction |
| Stage 4 | Advanced, more than 50% support lost, teeth loose | Extraction |
Only dental x-rays show how much bone is gone. The roots and much of each tooth sit below the gum line, which is why a tooth can look fine and still be badly diseased.
What is tooth resorption in cats?
Tooth resorption is a condition where the body’s own cells break down the tooth structure. It often starts at the gum line and can look like a small pink spot or a hole where the gum grows into the tooth. Cornell estimates it affects 20% to 60% of cats, and it becomes more common with age.
The cause isn’t known. The lesions are painful once they reach the sensitive inner part of the tooth. A cat may flinch or chatter its jaw when the tooth is touched.
Fillings don’t work, because the tooth keeps breaking down underneath. Cornell notes that removing the affected tooth is the only effective treatment. Full-mouth x-rays are needed to find every affected tooth, since many lesions are hidden below the gums.
How do vets treat cat dental disease?
Treatment is a full dental procedure under general anesthesia. Your vet will run bloodwork beforehand to make sure anesthesia is as safe as possible, especially in older cats. The procedure usually includes:
- A full exam of every tooth, with probing around each one
- Full-mouth dental x-rays
- Scaling above and below the gum line, then polishing
- Removing any teeth that are badly diseased or resorbing
- Pain relief to take home, and sometimes antibiotics
Cleaning without anesthesia is not recommended by veterinary dental specialists. It only removes visible tartar and can’t treat disease under the gums.
Mouth pain can be severe, and it’s tempting to share your own pain reliever. Don’t. Acetaminophen (paracetamol), ibuprofen and aspirin can poison a cat, so ask your vet for a cat-safe pain medicine before and after dental work.
How much does cat dental treatment cost?
Price depends mostly on how many teeth need removing, which often isn’t known until the x-rays are done. Ask for an estimate with a range. For a full breakdown, see how much a cat dental cleaning costs.
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-anesthetic bloodwork | $100 – $250 |
| Cleaning with anesthesia and x-rays | $500 – $1,200 |
| Each simple extraction | $50 – $150 |
| Each surgical extraction | $150 – $400 |
How can I prevent dental disease in my cat?
Daily brushing is the most effective way to slow plaque buildup. Use a toothpaste made for cats. Human toothpaste isn’t meant to be swallowed and can upset your cat’s stomach.
Start slowly. Let your cat lick the paste off your finger for a few days, then touch the gums, then introduce a soft brush. Cornell suggests building up over about four weeks, with praise and treats.
If brushing isn’t possible, ask your vet about dental diets, treats or water additives. Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which means they’ve been tested to reduce plaque or tartar.
Have your cat’s mouth checked at every yearly exam. Catching gum problems early is cheaper and far kinder than treating advanced disease. For more on common illnesses, browse our cat health problems guides.
Frequently asked questions
Can cat gum disease be reversed?
Early gum inflammation usually can be reversed with a professional cleaning and daily brushing. Once the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place are damaged, that damage is permanent, but treatment stops it getting worse.
Is anesthesia-free dental cleaning safe for cats?
Veterinary dental specialists advise against it. Scraping visible tartar off an awake cat doesn't clean below the gum line, where disease does the damage, and it can't include x-rays.
Can cats live without teeth?
Yes. Cats cope very well after extractions, even when most teeth are removed. Many eat better afterward because the pain is gone, and many still eat dry food.
Sources
Written by the CatsMed Team from the sources above. This guide isn’t reviewed by a veterinarian and isn’t a substitute for one. See how we research.
