Dental problems are easy to overlook because cats often continue eating despite pain. Regular checks of the mouth and veterinary dental examinations are therefore important.
Cats hide dental painDental problems are not always visible. Learn the subtle signs and make oral health part of routine cat care.
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Signs that something is wrong
Bad breath
Persistent bad breath is not “just cat”.
Persistent bad breath is not “just cat”.
Eating behaviour
Dropping food, chewing on one side, slurping or eating more slowly.
Dropping food, chewing on one side, slurping or eating more slowly.
Gums
Redness, bleeding or obvious irritation.
Redness, bleeding or obvious irritation.
Behaviour
Less desire to be touched around the head or sudden irritability.
Less desire to be touched around the head or sudden irritability.
What you cannot see
A substantial part of feline dental disease may lie below the gumline. Dental X-rays are therefore often necessary to assess roots and tooth resorption properly. A superficial dental cleaning alone cannot reveal the full picture.
Make mouth checks normal
Breeders and owners can do a lot by getting kittens used to having their lips lifted, teeth checked and the mouth area touched. Short, calm exercises make future examinations easier.
Basis: The Birmakredsen's former page "Cat's Teeth", rewritten and updated with a focus on observation and dental X-rays.