Like humans, cats can be prone to a range of dental health conditions, such as tooth resorption and periodontal disease. Prevention techniques include daily brushing at home and regular professional cleaning.

It is important to seek veterinary care if your cat’s eating habits change or they experience other symptoms that might indicate a dental problem, such as grooming less than usual, drooling excessively, or pawing at their mouth.

In this article, we explore some common dental conditions that affect cats, tips for maintaining your cat’s dental health, and when to consider taking your cat to the vet.

The 2025 Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) feline oral health and dental care guidelines note that oral and dental health conditions are common in cats.

Some examples of these conditions include:

  • Periodontal disease: This condition involves inflammation in the gums, ligaments, and bones that support teeth. It results from plaque buildup and can cause tooth loss if left untreated.
  • Tooth resorption: More than 50% of all cats over the age of 3 years have at least one tooth affected by this condition. Tooth resorption refers to the gradual breakdown of a tooth, possibly due to the cat’s body mistakenly attacking its own cells, but the exact cause is unknown.
  • Endodontic disease: This condition typically results from inflammation and infection of the soft, innermost part of the tooth, called the pulp. It may require surgical extraction or root canal therapy as treatment.
  • Tooth trauma: This refers to injuries that affect the teeth, which may result from falls and other accidents, or fights with other cats.
  • Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS): Stomatitis is a veterinary term for inflammation in the mucous membranes that line the mouth. FCGS is a more persistent and severe form of this inflammation.
  • Developmental abnormalities: This refers to structural abnormalities in the mouth that can be present from birth due to genetics. One example is malocclusion, which is when the teeth do not align properly.
  • Oral cancers: The most common type of oral cancer in cats is squamous cell carcinoma. Other forms of oral cancer that affect cats less commonly include fibrosarcoma, melanoma, lymphosarcoma, and undifferentiated carcinomas.

To help maintain your cat’s dental health and prevent dental health conditions, you may want to try:

  • Brushing their teeth at home every day: A vet can show you how to safely brush your cat’s teeth at home, using your finger or a soft-bristled brush. They often sell cat-safe toothpaste as well. Toothpaste for humans is not suitable for cats.
  • Taking them to the vet for regular professional cleaning: If you’re able to brush your cat’s teeth every day, you may only need to take them for professional tooth cleaning if you notice a buildup of plaque, which is yellow or brown material, at the area where the tooth meets the gumline. If you’re not able to brush their teeth every day, they may require professional cleanings under anesthetic at least once a year.
  • Asking the vet about dietary modifications: Vets can offer guidance about what types of diets, food, and treats can help prevent periodontal disease. Dietary modifications may work more effectively in addition to daily brushing. You can find specific treats and diets that promote oral hygeine on the Veterinary Oral Health Council website.

Consider taking your cat to the vet if you notice they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • difficulty eating or swallowing
  • not eating as much as usual
  • pawing at their mouth
  • foul-smelling breath
  • not grooming as much as usual
  • changes in their coat appearance or texture
  • swelling in or around their mouth
  • red or bleeding gums
  • excessive drooling
  • growths or lumps in or around their mouth
  • broken or damaged teeth
  • gaining or losing a lot of weight in a short amount of time
  • behaving differently than usual
  • sleeping more or appearing to be less energetic than usual

A vet can work out the underlying cause of the symptoms your cat is experiencing and recommend appropriate treatment. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may range from dietary modifications and more frequent professional cleaning under an anesthetic to medical procedures, such as root canal and tooth extraction.

The vet may recommend dental X-rays to help diagnose potential conditions.

Cats can develop a range of dental health conditions, such as periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and endodontic disease.

If you notice your cat is experiencing any symptoms that may indicate dental problems, like difficulty eating, grooming less frequently, or excessive drooling, consider taking them to see the vet.

To help maintain your cat’s dental health you may want to try brushing their teeth every day with a cat-safe toothpaste, taking them to the vet for regular professional cleaning appointments, and asking the vet about dietary modifications that support their dental health.