Dental disease is one of the most under-treated conditions we see in cats. By the time a cat is three years old, most have some degree of tartar buildup or early gum disease. By seven, the majority have significant disease. The problem is that cats are very good at hiding discomfort, so owners often don't notice until the disease is advanced.
Signs that something is wrong ¶
The most common things owners notice are bad breath, dropping food while eating, or a preference for soft food that wasn't there before. Some cats paw at their mouth or shake their head. Others just become quieter and less interested in play. If your cat has stopped grooming their face, that can also be a sign of mouth pain. None of these signs are definitive on their own, but any of them is a reason to have the mouth looked at.
What we look for during an exam ¶
During a wellness exam, we look at the teeth and gums with the cat awake. We can see obvious tartar, gum redness, and any visible lesions. But a lot of dental disease is below the gumline, which is why dental X-rays under anesthesia are so important. We take full-mouth digital X-rays during every cleaning, and we regularly find significant root disease in teeth that looked fine from the surface.
What a professional cleaning involves ¶
We use an ultrasonic scaler to remove tartar above and below the gumline, then polish the teeth to slow future buildup. The whole procedure is done under general anesthesia with continuous monitoring. We photograph the mouth before and after and send you home with a printed dental chart. If we find teeth that need extraction, we call you during the procedure to discuss before we proceed. Nothing happens without your approval.
How to slow dental disease at home ¶
Daily tooth brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste is the most effective home care. We know most cats don't love it. If you can get to it three times a week, that still makes a meaningful difference. Dental diets and water additives can help as a supplement, but they don't replace brushing or professional cleanings. We're happy to show you how to brush your cat's teeth at any visit.
If your cat's breath has changed, or they've been quieter than usual around mealtimes, it's worth a call. We can often tell a lot just from a quick look during a wellness visit.