Last Updated: 15/09/2026
Dental Care for Cats
Take control of your cat's dental health with our expert vet guide. We cover everything from brushing techniques to the best dental diets and treats.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
As vets, dental disease is one of the most common conditions we diagnose in cats, and it's almost always more advanced than owners expect - cats are experts at hiding mouth pain, so many keep eating and behaving normally even with significant disease sitting below the gumline. Cats also have their own dental condition, tooth resorption, that dogs rarely get. This guide covers what dental disease is, tooth resorption, the signs to watch for, and the daily care, professional treatment and product options that keep your cat's mouth healthy.
Statistics often put dental disease in more than 80% of cats over the age of three, and left untreated it's a constant source of pain that can affect the kidneys, heart and liver. Prevention is always better than cure, and there are plenty of options to keep your cat's teeth clean and healthy.
What is dental disease?
Dental disease in cats covers three main conditions: gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth resorption.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, usually from a build-up of bacteria in plaque around the gumline, though some viruses and other health conditions can cause it too. Preventing and treating gingivitis is key to managing your cat's dental health.
Periodontitis is what happens if gingivitis is left untreated. The bacteria invade below the gumline, damaging the tissue that attaches the tooth to the gum and leading to tooth root damage and, eventually, teeth falling out.
Tooth resorption is different again - a condition largely unique to cats, where the tooth's own structure starts breaking down from the inside, and one of the leading causes of tooth loss in cats.
What is tooth resorption in cats?
Tooth resorption is a painful condition where a cat's own body breaks down the structure of a tooth, usually starting from the inside out - it's the most common reason cats need a tooth removed.
In clinic, we see this often. Studies suggest anywhere from one in five to over half of adult cats are affected at some point, and in our experience it becomes more common as cats reach middle age.
At home it can be hard to spot. Some cats show no signs at all, while others may chatter or pull away when a specific tooth is touched, drop food from their mouth, favour one side when chewing, drool more, or go off their food altogether. Because cats hide pain so well, these signs are often subtle and easy to miss.
In most cases, no clinical signs are evident on a physical exam. Dental x-rays taken under anaesthesia are usually required for diagnosis, since a lot of resorption happens below the gumline where it can't be seen or felt. Treatment is almost always extraction of the affected tooth, because resorption doesn't reverse on its own.
How do I know if my cat has dental disease?
The most common early sign is foul-smelling or "fishy" breath. Other indicators are discoloured or stained teeth and red, inflamed gums.
Check (or have your vet check) your cat's teeth and gums regularly, because dental disease can be very painful even when cats keep eating normally and show no outward sign anything's wrong. The most common mistake we see is owners waiting for their cat to go off their food before booking a check - by then, disease is usually well advanced. Left untreated, chronic inflammation can affect the heart, kidneys and liver, and good dental hygiene is thought to add years to a cat's life.
Does my cat need a professional dental clean?
Yes - most cats will need at least one professional dental clean in their lifetime, because home care alone can't remove built-up tartar or treat disease hiding below the gumline.
A professional clean means a full vet exam, a scale and polish under general anaesthesia, and usually dental x-rays to catch problems like tooth resorption that aren't visible on the surface. Anaesthesia-free "gentle dental" services are worth avoiding, since they can't properly assess or clean below the gumline. Cats are generally harder to examine thoroughly while awake than dogs and hide pain so well that a full anaesthetic check is often the only reliable way to know what's really going on.
How do I brush my cat's teeth at home?
Daily toothbrushing is the single most effective thing you can do at home to prevent dental disease.
Use a cat-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste, as human ones aren't suitable, and start slowly with short sessions so your cat gets used to the taste and sensation before you build up to a daily routine.
For a full step-by-step guide, see how to brush your cat's teeth. It's easiest to build the habit early - if you've got a kitten, our kitten dental care guide covers how to start.
What's the best dental cat food?
Therapeutic and oral care diets are formulated to mechanically reduce plaque and tartar build-up every time your cat eats.
For cats with a history or increased risk of dental disease, therapeutic diets like Royal Canin Veterinary Dental Feline and Hill's Prescription Diet Feline t/d Dental Care are the way to go, fed as the main, everyday food (check with your vet first, as these are specialised diets). No history but want extra prevention? An oral care diet offers similar plaque-reduction benefits as the main meal.
What about dental treats and chews for cats?
Dental treats can help too, but only if your cat actually chews them rather than swallowing them whole. Look for treats with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, like Feline Greenies, and factor the extra calories into your cat's daily intake.
We've done a full rundown of our vet-picks, including the dental options, in our Best Cat Treats guide.
Do water additives and supplements work for cats?
They can help as an add-on, but won't treat dental disease on their own.
Water additives aren't enough by themselves to keep gingivitis at bay, but read the label to get the dose right and change the water often enough. Some cats are fussy about treated water, so a therapeutic gel or rinse like Tropiclean Clean Teeth Gel is a good alternative. Dental supplements (powder or chewable) work by binding to bacteria in your cat's saliva to reduce plaque, added to a daily meal or given as a treat.
For a broader look at dental care across dogs, cats and other pets, see our home dental care guide.
If you suspect your cat has signs of dental disease or you're unsure, talk to your vet about the best prevention plan for your cat. Got questions? Ask a Pet Circle vet for free.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 18 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
