Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for health concerns about your cat.
According to the AVMA, 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by the time they turn three. Three years old. That's not a typo, and yet dental care remains one of the most overlooked aspects of cat ownership.
The problem is that cats rarely show obvious signs of dental pain until the disease is advanced. They'll keep eating, keep purring, and keep acting like everything is fine, because that's what cats do. A consistent dental routine at home can slow down disease progression and help you spot problems before they become painful (and expensive).
Daily: Tooth Brushing
Yes, you can brush a cat's teeth. No, your cat probably won't love it. With patience and a gradual introduction, most cats will tolerate it, and it's the single most effective thing you can do for their dental health.
What You Need
You'll want a cat-specific toothbrush. Finger brushes work well for beginners, while small-headed brushes are ideal for regular use. Pair it with a cat-safe toothpaste, ideally an enzymatic formula, which is the most effective kind. Never use human toothpaste, which contains fluoride and xylitol, both toxic to cats. Keep a few treats within reach too, for positive reinforcement after each session.
How to Brush (Gradual Introduction)
Don't jump straight to a full brush. Build up over one to two weeks.
For the first three days, simply let your cat taste the toothpaste from your finger and reward with a treat. Over days four to six, rub the toothpaste on a few front teeth with your finger, keeping each session under 15 seconds. Around day seven, introduce the brush itself and focus on the outer surfaces of the upper back teeth, where tartar builds fastest. From day eleven onwards, gradually work up to brushing all the outer tooth surfaces, aiming for 30 to 60 seconds total.
You don't need to brush the inner surfaces. Cats' rough tongues do a reasonable job on the inside, so concentrate on the outer, cheek-facing surfaces.
Weekly: Dental Check
Once a week, do a quick visual check of your cat's mouth. This takes less than a minute once you're practised.
Gently lift the lip to expose the gum line, especially at the back. Healthy gums are pink, so red, white, or yellow gums are abnormal. Look for tartar, the yellowish-brown buildup along the gum line, particularly on the upper premolars and molars. A thin red line where the gum meets the tooth is gingivitis, one of the earliest signs of dental disease. Finish with a sniff. Mildly fishy breath is normal after eating, but a persistently foul smell suggests infection or advanced disease.
Monthly: Supporting Dental Health
Between brushing sessions, a few extras can help. Dental treats carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval have been tested to reduce plaque or tartar, which makes the seal worth looking for on the packet. Some vets recommend enzymatic water additives for the water bowl, though check with your vet before starting, as some cats refuse treated water. Dental chew toys can help with minor plaque removal, even if they're less effective than brushing. And some veterinary dental diets are designed to reduce tartar through kibble texture, so ask your vet whether one is appropriate for your cat.
Annually: Professional Dental Cleaning
Schedule a vet dental exam at your cat's annual check-up, or more frequently if your vet recommends it. A professional cleaning requires general anaesthesia, which is normal and necessary for thorough work below the gum line. Your vet may also recommend dental X-rays to check for disease that isn't visible to the eye, and that matters more than you'd think, since up to 60% of dental disease occurs below the surface. Severely diseased teeth may need to be extracted. Cats adapt remarkably well and typically eat more comfortably afterwards.
Warning Signs of Dental Disease
Contact your vet if you notice any of these:
- Persistent bad breath (beyond normal post-meal odour)
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Visible tartar (brownish-yellow deposits on teeth)
- Difficulty eating, dropping food, or chewing on one side
- Drooling (unusual for cats)
- Pawing at the mouth
- Reluctance to eat hard food
- Facial swelling
- Loose or missing teeth
Dental Care Quick Reference
| Frequency | Task | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Brush outer tooth surfaces | 30-60 seconds |
| Weekly | Visual mouth check (gums, tartar, breath) | 1 minute |
| Monthly | Dental treats / assess supporting products | n/a |
| Annually | Professional vet dental exam + cleaning | Vet appointment |
FAQ
Is dental disease really that common in cats?
Yes. The AVMA reports that 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by age three. The most common conditions are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption (a painful condition where the tooth structure breaks down).
My cat absolutely will not let me brush their teeth. What else can I do?
Not every cat will tolerate brushing, and that's okay. Dental treats with the VOHC seal, water additives, and regular professional cleanings are your next best options. The weekly visual check is still important even if you can't brush.
Is anaesthesia safe for dental cleanings?
Modern veterinary anaesthesia is generally very safe, even for older cats. Your vet will run pre-anaesthetic blood work to check for any underlying issues. The risk of untreated dental disease (infection spreading to organs, chronic pain) typically outweighs the anaesthesia risk.
Related reading: Monthly Health Check Routine | Cat Health FAQ | All Checklists
