Why dental care is key to your cat’s health
Cats are experts at hiding pain. Often, by the time a dental issue becomes obvious, it’s already progressed. As a pet owner, it’s easy to assume that if your cat’s eating, purring, and playing, all is well. But dental disease can quietly undermine their health and happiness.
Regular pet dental care is a key part of your cat’s overall wellbeing. At Ascot Vet, we’ve seen firsthand how tailored care and early intervention can prevent pain, reduce long-term costs, and keep your feline family member thriving.
Subtle signs your cat might have a sore mouth
Cats won’t always let you know something’s wrong. That’s why paying attention to small changes can make a big difference. Watch for these early signs of dental trouble:
- Drooling more than usual
- A sudden preference for soft food
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Bad breath that lingers
- A drop in energy or appetite
If you’re noticing one or more of these, it’s worth booking in for a check-up. Dental disease won’t resolve on its own, and left untreated, it can affect organs like the kidneys and heart.
The usual suspects: common dental issues in cats
Some dental problems crop up more often than others. Here’s what we regularly treat in our Belmont clinic:
Feline resorptive lesions (FORLs)
These are painful erosions that occur on the surface of a cat’s tooth. They can affect the crown or even the root below the gumline. The cause isn’t fully understood, but they’re surprisingly common – affecting up to 70% of cats over five years old. Once a lesion forms, extraction is often the only effective solution.
Gingivitis and periodontal disease
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, often triggered by plaque buildup. If untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease, where infection and inflammation affect the deeper structures supporting the tooth. This can lead to tooth loss and chronic pain.
Tooth fractures
Play, chewing on hard objects, or underlying weakness can cause feline teeth to fracture. Sometimes the break is visible. Other times, the damage is below the gumline and harder to spot. Either way, exposed nerves are painful and prone to infection.
What good pet dental care actually looks like
Pet dental care isn’t a one-off clean. It’s an ongoing part of preventative health. At Ascot Vet, we take a tailored approach, looking at your cat’s age, breed, health history, and habits to provide dental care that fits.
Here’s what a proactive dental plan might involve:
- Annual dental check-ups as part of your cat’s wellness exam
- Professional cleaning under anaesthesia, when clinically indicated
- Pain-free dental extractions if teeth are damaged or diseased
- Personalised advice on home care, like brushing techniques and safe dental treats
Our team is experienced in feline dentistry and focused on making visits as stress-free as possible. From gentle handling to a warm, quiet environment, we do everything we can to help your cat feel safe and comfortable.
Why prevention always beats treatment
Just like humans, cats benefit most from regular preventative care. It’s not only less invasive for them – it’s more cost-effective for you.
Preventative pet dental care helps:
- Avoid chronic pain and prevent complications
- Reduce the need for complex procedures later
- Support better outcomes for older cats with existing conditions
- Keep your cat happier, healthier, and more energetic every day
At Ascot Vet, we believe every pet deserves to feel welcomed, heard, and well cared for – and that includes their teeth. By staying ahead of dental issues, we help keep your cat feeling like themselves for longer.
Let’s get your cat’s smile back on track
If you’ve noticed changes in your cat’s eating, breath, or behaviour, it’s time to book a dental check-up. Get in touch with us to make an appointment or chat with our team. We’re here to provide compassionate, personalised care that puts your pet first.