Dental health is a frequently overlooked aspect of feline care, despite dental disease being one of the most common medical conditions affecting adult cats. Cats often suffer silently because their natural instincts cause them to hide signs of pain, making it difficult for owners to recognize a problem. Understanding the specific anatomy of a cat’s mouth, the common diseases that affect it, and the signs of discomfort is a fundamental part of responsible cat ownership.
Anatomy and Development of Feline Teeth
A cat’s dentition is highly specialized, reflecting its evolutionary history as an obligate carnivore whose diet consists primarily of meat. Adult cats possess 30 permanent teeth, a number significantly lower than that of dogs or humans, which is optimized for shearing and cutting rather than grinding. This full set of teeth is typically in place by the time a kitten reaches six or seven months of age.
The dental structure includes twelve small incisors, four long, pointed canine teeth for grasping prey, ten premolars, and four molars. The large fourth upper premolar and the first lower molar are known as the carnassial teeth, which function together like scissors to slice meat. Kittens begin their dental journey with 26 deciduous, or baby, teeth, which erupt between two and eight weeks of age. These teeth are lost between three and seven months as they are pushed out by the developing permanent set.
Identifying Common Dental Conditions
The most widespread pathology affecting the feline mouth is Periodontal Disease, a progressive condition caused by the accumulation of plaque—a film of bacteria, saliva, and food debris—on the teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into a rough, yellow-brown substance called tartar, or calculus, which irritates the gums. Gingivitis, the initial stage, involves inflammation and redness of the gumline, a condition that is reversible with professional cleaning and home care.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, where the bacterial infection spreads below the gumline and begins to destroy the supporting structures of the tooth. This advanced stage creates deep pockets around the tooth roots, leading to irreversible bone loss, gum recession, and painful tooth loss. Another significant issue unique to cats is Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs), which are erosions that destroy the tooth structure, often starting at the gumline. These lesions are extremely painful and often require full extraction of the affected tooth because the damage is progressive. Other issues include fractured teeth, often involving the large canine teeth, and stomatitis, a severe, widespread inflammation of the entire oral cavity.
Observable Signs of Oral Pain and Disease
Recognizing signs of oral discomfort requires careful observation of subtle behavioral changes at home. Halitosis, or persistent bad breath, is a common physical sign, resulting from the buildup of odor-producing bacteria associated with plaque and tartar. Owners may also notice excessive drooling, sometimes mixed with blood, or a reluctance to allow their face or mouth to be touched.
Behavioral indicators are often the first clue that a cat is experiencing pain. This can manifest as a sudden preference for wet food over dry kibble, or chewing only on one side of the mouth. A cat may stop grooming itself, leading to a dull or matted coat, because oral pain makes the process uncomfortable. Other signs include pawing at the mouth, restlessness, or withdrawing and hiding more frequently.
Strategies for Feline Dental Maintenance
Effective dental care for a cat involves a combination of consistent home maintenance and regular professional veterinary intervention. The gold standard for home care is daily toothbrushing using a soft-bristled brush and a veterinary-approved, poultry or seafood-flavored toothpaste. Because human toothpaste contains ingredients toxic to cats, only enzymatic, non-foaming feline-specific pastes should be used.
For cats that resist brushing, secondary options include:
- Water additives that inhibit bacterial growth.
- Dental diets formulated with fiber structures to gently scrub the tooth surface.
- Specific dental treats that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance.
These adjuncts help slow the buildup of plaque and tartar, but they are not a substitute for mechanical brushing. Professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia is necessary for complete oral health. Anesthesia allows for thorough cleaning below the gumline and dental X-rays to diagnose conditions like periodontitis and painful FORLs. Non-anesthetic dental cleanings are not sufficient because they only address the visible tartar on the crown of the tooth, failing to treat the underlying disease affecting the tooth root and surrounding bone.