Dental Disease and Tooth Resorption

What is it?

Cats commonly develop periodontal disease, and many also develop tooth resorption, a painful condition in which the tooth structure is slowly broken down by the body's own cells. The cause is not fully understood.

What signs should I watch for?

Signs to watch for include drooling or dropping food; chewing on one side, or preferring soft food; jaw chattering or flinching when the mouth is touched; bad breath, red gums; and pink spots or gum tissue growing over a tooth.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Lesions are often hidden below the gumline, so dental X-rays under anesthesia are needed. Resorbing teeth are typically extracted, since filling them doesn't work.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

• Resorption can't currently be prevented, but routine exams and cleanings catch painful teeth early.
• Cats often hide mouth pain well.