What’s in Your Cat’s Mouth? A Closer Look at Feline Dental Disease
- Dr. Zeke Zekoff
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
When was the last time you took a look inside your cat’s mouth? If your answer is “never” or “not recently,” you’re not alone. Dental care is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of feline health—but it’s also one of the most important.
According to veterinary experts, over 70% of cats over the age of four have some form of dental disease. These conditions can cause chronic pain, inflammation, and even impact major organs if left untreated.
Here’s a breakdown of the three most common (and painful) dental conditions affecting cats—and what to do about them.
1. Stomatitis: Chronic and Often Severe Inflammation
What it is:
Stomatitis is a painful, chronic inflammatory condition that affects the soft tissues inside your cat’s mouth—typically the gums, inner cheeks, and throat area.
What it looks like:
You may notice bright red, swollen areas inside the mouth. The tissue often has a “cobblestone” or “raspberry-like” texture and may bleed easily.
Why it matters:
Stomatitis can make eating, grooming, and even yawning extremely painful for cats. It often requires aggressive management, including antibiotics, pain relief, and in some cases, full-mouth tooth extractions to eliminate the source of inflammation.
2. Tooth Resorption: The Hidden Culprit
What it is:
Tooth resorption is a progressive, painful condition where a cat’s body starts to break down the tooth structure, starting at the root and working upward toward the crown.
What it looks like:
It often goes undetected until your cat shows signs of discomfort. By the time it’s visible, it may look like a small hole or erosion at the base of a tooth, sometimes with redness or bleeding at the gum line.
Why it matters:
This condition exposes the pulp chamber, nerves, and blood vessels, causing significant pain. The only effective treatment is usually extraction of the affected teeth.
3. Periodontal Disease: More Than Just Bad Breath
What it is:
Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the structures surrounding the teeth—mainly the gums, connective tissue, and bone.
What it looks like:
In advanced stages (like grade 4), the gums may recede significantly, exposing the roots of the teeth. There can be heavy plaque buildup, foul breath, and loose or missing teeth.
Why it matters:
Beyond the obvious oral pain, periodontal disease can allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting your cat’s heart, liver, and kidneys.
What You Can Do
Schedule regular dental exams with your vet.
Watch for signs of oral pain: drooling, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, reluctance to eat, or hiding.
Brush your cat’s teeth with a pet-safe toothpaste, if possible.
Offer dental-friendly diets and treats recommended by your veterinarian.
Don’t wait until your cat shows signs of pain—many suffer silently.
Final Thoughts
Your cat may not be able to tell you their mouth hurts—but the signs are there if you know what to look for. By staying proactive with dental care, you’re not just freshening their breath—you’re improving their quality of life and protecting their long-term health.
Because what’s in your cat’s mouth shouldn’t be a mystery—it should be clean, comfortable, and pain-free.
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