Tabby cat standing indoors in a veterinary clinic setting
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Comprehensive Feline Dental Care

Dental disease in cats often looks different than it does in dogs, and it is just as common and just as easy to miss. Many cats develop resorptive lesions, a painful condition in which the tooth structure itself begins to break down, along with gingivitis and periodontal disease. Because cats are so good at masking pain, dental disease can be quite advanced by the time an owner notices anything is wrong. At Family Pet Clinic, we treat dental health as a routine part of every cat's care.

Why Feline Dental Health Deserves Special Attention

Cats can suffer from tooth resorption, a condition largely unique to felines in which the body begins to break down the tooth from within, often below the gumline where it cannot be seen on a visual exam. This can be extremely painful, yet affected cats may show no outward signs beyond subtle changes like eating more slowly, dropping food, or favoring one side of the mouth. Stomatitis, a severe inflammatory condition affecting the mouth tissue, is another concern more commonly seen in cats than dogs and can cause significant pain and difficulty eating if left untreated.

How We Evaluate Your Cat's Dental Health

At every physical exam, our veterinarians assess your cat's teeth and gums for tartar, gingivitis, and other visible signs of disease. Because so much feline dental pathology, particularly tooth resorption, occurs below the gumline, we recommend digital dental radiographs whenever we see any signs of concern, since a visual exam alone often cannot detect resorptive lesions or assess the true extent of periodontal disease.

Cat Dental Cleanings and Treatment

Professional dental cleanings for cats are performed under general anesthesia, allowing us to clean thoroughly below the gumline, probe each tooth, and take radiographs safely. Depending on findings, treatment can range from a standard cleaning and polishing to extractions for teeth affected by resorption or advanced periodontal disease. We discuss all findings with you and review recommendations before performing any additional treatment beyond a standard cleaning.

Supporting Dental Health at Home

While daily brushing is less commonly tolerated by cats than dogs, some cats do accept it with patient, gradual training. For cats who will not tolerate brushing, we can recommend dental-supportive diets, water additives, and dental treats designed to help slow plaque and tartar buildup between professional cleanings.

Schedule a Dental Exam for Your Cat

Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency Appointments and New Furry Faces Are Welcome!