What causes dental disease in cats?

Plaque, a colourless film on your cat's teeth, is the perpetrator of bad breath and gum disease. Plaque is caused by bacteria mixing with sugary components of food. This is exactly the same process in cats as in humans. We can remove plaque by brushing, but because your cat doesn't brush their teeth like you do, this plaque can cause tartar buildup. Tartar is the result of unremoved plaque hardening and gradually becoming thicker and thicker. It forms a hard yellowish layer on the teeth, especially at the gum line. This build-up irritates the gums, causing swelling, redness and inflammation – otherwise known as gingivitis. Left unchecked, your cat can develop periodontal disease, which can destroy the gums and tissue that support the teeth.

There are some factors that can contribute to dental health problems in cats. These include:

Food: Feeding cats sticky food can lead to a more rapid buildup of plaque.

Breed: Some breeds of cat, such as the Siamese and Persian, are more prone to dental disease.

Dental disease is preventable and treatable in most cats. Keeping your cat's teeth and gums clean and healthy may seem a daunting task, but if you start when your cat or kitten is young and get into the habit, brushing can become as much a part of your cat’s routine as yours. 

The first step is to ask your veterinarian to check your cat’s teeth to see if they may already have a problem that requires professional attention. Once your cat’s teeth are clean and back to a good starting point, then you can get started on dental hygiene at home. Your vet will be able to talk to you about brushing your cat's teeth regularly (yes, this can be done at home with many cats). With a gentle approach and some patience, lots of cats become more than happy to have their teeth cleaned. Your vet or vet nurse may be able to give you a demonstration. As you’ll see when you read on, if brushing really is impossible, there are some specially formulated foods that are designed to clean your cat’s teeth for you.

Does my cat have dental disease?

If your cat has dental health problems, usually the first thing you'll notice is bad breath. If you notice any of the following signs in your cat, contact your veterinarian for a complete examination, as it could mean your cat has a dental problem:

• Bad breath
• Sore mouth
• Difficulty eating or looking like they want to eat but walking away
• Loose teeth or tooth loss
• Pawing or rubbing the mouth
• Bleeding gums
• Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
• Dribbling
• Unkempt coat – cats with mouth pain may stop grooming.

The importance of nutrition

The food your cat eats plays an important role in their overall health and well-being as well as their dental health. High-quality cat foods can support the immune system and help keep infections at bay. 

There are some dry foods which are formulated with special fibres in a larger kibble size. This means your cat has to chew the food, and the specially-aligned fibres scrape the teeth clean. These foods can make a huge difference to long-term dental health.

Remember that you should never change your cat’s food without consulting your vet, and always change the food gradually over 5-7 days to avoid a tummy upset or food rejection. It’s also important not to use these dental care foods if your cat has anything more than mild plaque build-up. If they have tartar or gingivitis, they should have their teeth properly cleaned first and eat only soft food until the pain and inflammation has subsided.

In summary

As with all things when it comes to health, prevention is much better than cure. If you get a kitten, get started on a teeth-cleaning routine from the get-go. The younger you start, the easier you and your cat will find it. Never use human toothpaste – it’s a flavour many animals don’t like, and it’s designed to foam up and be spat out. Always use a toothpaste formulated for cats.

If your cat is older, it’s never too late. Get their teeth checked by your vet and cleaned if necessary. Remember that regular brushing is the most proven way to prevent dental disease in both cats and humans. But don’t despair if either your busy life or your cat’s temperament get in the way of your good intentions. Speak to your vet about the special foods that may well make both your lives easier!

Reviewed by Dr. Hein Meyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl-ECVIM-CA and Dr. Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS.