How common is dental disease in cats?

Dental disease affects 50-90% of cats over age 4, making it the most common health problem in felines. Periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and stomatitis are the three major conditions. Because cats hide pain well, dental disease often goes unnoticed until advanced stages when eating becomes difficult.

What are signs of dental problems in cats?

Cat dental disease signs include: persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, visible tartar (yellow-brown buildup), drooling (sometimes bloody), difficulty eating or dropping food, pawing at mouth, facial swelling, reluctance to be touched near the face, and weight loss. Many cats won't show obvious pain even with severe dental disease.

How much does a cat dental cleaning cost?

Professional cat dental cleaning typically costs $300-700 for a routine cleaning under anesthesia, including pre-anesthetic bloodwork. If extractions are needed, costs can range from $500-2000+ depending on the number of teeth and complexity. While this seems expensive, untreated dental disease leads to pain, infection, and systemic health problems.

Can I brush my cat's teeth?

Yes, brushing is the gold standard for cat dental home care. Use cat-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and a small soft brush or finger brush. Start slowly with positive reinforcement. Daily brushing is ideal, but even 3x weekly helps. Introduce gradually - most cats can learn to tolerate it with patience and treats.

What is tooth resorption in cats?

Tooth resorption (formerly called FORLs) affects 30-70% of cats and causes the tooth structure to break down from inside. It's extremely painful but cats rarely show obvious signs. The only treatment is extraction of affected teeth. The cause is unknown, and there's no way to prevent it. Regular dental exams help catch resorption early.

Dental Health Calculator

Assess your cat's dental health based on observable symptoms. Get personalized recommendations for home care and when to see a vet.

Dental Health Assessment

Answer questions about your cat's teeth, gums, and eating habits

Primary Symptoms

Required - These are the main indicators of dental health

Tartar/Calculus Buildup

Gum Health

Breath Odor

Eating Behavior

Additional Observations

Optional - These help refine the assessment

Drooling

Pawing at Mouth

Last Dental Checkup

Cat's Age

Age helps contextualize results

Cat's Name

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Frequently Asked Questions

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