--- title: "Dental Disease: It’s Not Just Stinky Cat Breath!" description: "Discover why feline dental disease is more than bad breath and how professional dental cleanings and home care prevent painful tooth issues." date: "2018-03-13T13:02:15Z" author: "Just Cats Clinic" image: "/img/09723549" canonical: "/dental-disease-its-not-just-stinky-cat-breath/" --- # Dental Disease: It’s Not Just Stinky Cat Breath! ## What Causes Dental Disease? Most commonly, dental disease is the result of tartar buildup on a cat’s teeth. Tartar can be easily identified by its tan or brown color. As a cat eats, some of the food gets stuck to its teeth and turns into plaque. Though some of that is removed naturally when the cat eats or licks its teeth, the remainder quickly mineralizes and becomes tartar and calculus. If the tartar is left untreated, it can lead to gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. ![Veterinary dental cleaning procedure on a cat](/img/de8635ab) Gingivitis normally starts at the edge of the gum. In some of the most severe cases, it can end up covering the entire tooth. The disease may cause inflammation or infection of the bone and ligaments that support the tooth. And as it progresses, it can cause destruction of the tissue, leading to excessive tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss. If left untreated for a longer period of time, gingivitis can lead to irreversible periodontal disease or the formation of an abscess. One of the most common dental issues in cats is tooth resorptive lesions. While we aren’t sure what causes them, they typically form on the outside of the surface of the tooth where the gum meets the tooth surface. These lesions erode the outside of the tooth, causing increased pain and sensitivity, and unfortunately, they are degenerative and often require tooth extraction for the affected area. ## What Are the Classic Signs of Dental Disease in Cats? - Chewing with obvious discomfort - Dropping food from its mouth - Excessive drooling - Very bad breath - Pawing at its mouth While these are the more obvious and severe symptoms of dental disease, sometimes more subtle behaviors like sleeping more, being less active, and even weight loss can be side effects of dental problems. Any time you feel your cat is just not themselves, contact your veterinarian for an exam. Additionally, cats may show no symptoms at all of dental disease, even eating through dental pain and discomfort. It’s important to take a proactive approach to your cat’s dental health and maintain regular examinations at your vet’s office. This way, we can hopefully catch any dental issues before they become severe. ## What Can You Do to Help Your Cat? ![Veterinary examination of a cat's teeth and mouth](/img/a71be74d) If you see that your cat has tartar, redness around its gums, or any signs of pain or discomfort, take it to your veterinarian for an examination. Treatment usually consists of dental cleanings under general anesthesia followed by home care, such as brushing or using wipes on your cat’s teeth, feeding Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) certified treats or diets, or using an additive in your cat’s water. ## How Can You Prevent Dental Disease? The best way to prevent dental disease is by practicing good oral hygiene and reducing tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth. Regular dental exams and cleanings at your veterinarian, brushing your cat’s teeth, and feeding VOHC-approved treats are the best ways to keep your cat’s teeth healthy. Dental cleanings and procedures at your veterinarian’s office should always consist of dental radiographs, local blocks at any extraction sites, pain management for any extractions, and should absolutely always be performed under general anesthesia. Dental radiographs are essential for any dental procedure, even just a cleaning, to ensure that no decay on the inside of the tooth or at the root is being missed because it’s not visible. Additionally, post-extraction radiographs ensure that the entire tooth has been removed, ensuring no partial roots were left behind that will be sensitive and painful for your cat in the future. The most effective way to reduce plaque at home is to gently brush your cat’s teeth at least three times a week, if your cat will tolerate it. There are a number of toothbrushes and toothpastes specifically designed for cats. Always be sure you are using a VOHC-approved toothpaste, and never use human toothpaste or products, as they can be dangerous to your feline. ![Close-up of feline dental disease and calculus buildup](/img/09723549) If you are not able to brush your cat’s teeth (as many of us aren’t), there are a variety of other options that can help your cat’s dental health at home. Talk to your Just Cats team about different oral rinses, oral wipes (our new favorite!), treats, and even prescription diets that might be a good option for your cat.