What it is
Every meal leaves a thin film of bacteria on the teeth. If it stays, it hardens into tartar, which creeps under the gum line. The gums become inflamed, the tissues that anchor the teeth weaken, and over time a tooth can loosen. Cats can also develop painful lesions in which the tooth itself is slowly worn away, starting near the gum.
Cats hide mouth pain remarkably well. Rather than refusing food, a cat may keep eating but chew carefully, tilt its head or leave the harder pieces in the bowl. A cat that has stopped grooming can be a cat whose mouth hurts.
A regular look at the mouth, gently lifting the lips, and a dental check at every vet visit help catch problems while they are still small.
Signs you may notice
- Bad breath
- Drools
- Chews on one side
- Drops food from the mouth
- Brown or yellow tartar on teeth
- Grooms itself less
A cat has bad breath, drools, chews on one side or drops food from its mouth. Tartar may show as a brown or yellow layer on the teeth.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your cat has strong breath, chews oddly, drools or eats less. If its face swells or it stops eating altogether, contact a vet the same day.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.