05 Jun How to Recognize Dental Pain in Cats: A Guide for Pet Owners
Did you know that more than two-thirds of cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease? Dental issues are among the most common conditions seen in veterinary clinics, yet they often go unnoticed. At our practice, we want to help you recognize the subtle signs of dental pain in your cat and understand why routine dental care is so important.
Why It’s Hard to Spot Dental Pain in Cats
Cats are experts at hiding pain. Even though they’ve been our companions for centuries, their instinct is still to mask any sign of weakness. That means many dental problems go undetected until they’ve progressed significantly.
Surprisingly, most cats with dental disease continue to eat normally. You might chalk up your cat’s picky eating habits to personality, but finicky appetites are sometimes a subtle clue that something’s wrong in the mouth. More obvious signs are rare, but not impossible to spot.
Common Signs of Dental Pain in Cats
Keep an eye out for these signs:
- Drooling
- Decreased interest in food or chewing on one side
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental exam. Here are three common dental conditions we see in cats at our clinic:
Periodontal Disease
This is the most widespread dental condition in cats. It occurs when bacteria in plaque and tartar cause inflammation around the tooth, affecting the gums, bone, and ligaments that hold the tooth in place.
Early signs include gingivitis—red, inflamed gums—which is treatable if caught in time. But if left unchecked, periodontal disease can destroy supporting structures and lead to tooth loss. Routine cleanings under anesthesia and at-home care like brushing or dental diets can help slow its progression.
Tooth Resorption
This painful condition causes the tooth to break down from the inside out, usually starting below the gumline. You won’t always see obvious damage without dental X-rays, but once the sensitive inner layers are exposed, the pain is intense.
The cause of tooth resorption isn’t fully understood, and unfortunately, extraction is the only effective treatment. It’s one of the most common reasons we extract teeth in cats.
Gingivostomatitis
This severe and painful inflammatory condition goes beyond the gums, affecting the cheeks, tongue, and throat. In some cases, it’s linked with periodontal disease or tooth resorption, and sometimes all three are present at once.
Gingivostomatitis often requires full-mouth or near-full-mouth extractions. While that may sound drastic, most cats adjust incredibly well and often feel much better without the constant inflammation. Believe it or not, many still prefer kibble—swallowing the pieces whole.
How to Keep Your Cat’s Mouth Healthy
At-home dental care, such as daily brushing or using dental diets, can help reduce plaque buildup. But keep in mind—no amount of brushing can prevent conditions like tooth resorption or gingivostomatitis.
The most important thing you can do? Schedule yearly dental checkups with your veterinarian. These visits should include a thorough oral exam and professional dental cleaning under anesthesia with full-mouth x-rays.
Compassionate Cat Dentistry in Pelham, Alabama
Since cats are so good at hiding pain, it’s up to us to be proactive. At Animal Dental Specialists, we specialize in identifying and treating dental disease in cats. If you’ve noticed any changes in your cat’s appetite, breath, or behavior—or just want peace of mind—give us a call. We’ll help keep your cat’s mouth healthy and pain-free.
Because every cat deserves a comfortable, purr-worthy smile.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (06/05/2025) Photo by Piotr Musioł on Unsplash