Often, veterinarians hear, “Why is it important for my cat to have his/her teeth cleaned?” At Veterinary Dental Specialists of Missouri, we counsel clients on the best practices for keeping their cats’ oral health as good as it can be. One of the recommendations we make is a periodic COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment).
A COHAT is much more than just a cleaning. It is a thorough oral exam under anesthesia with imaging, cleaning, and treatment of any painful or concerning oral abnormalities. It allows us to discover disease in a cat’s mouth that would otherwise remain hidden and continue to cause pain and stress. Understanding the importance of a cat dental cleaning helps explain why this level of care matters.
How Plaque and Tartar Build Up in Cats
Just like humans, cats can build up plaque and tartar on their teeth. Since cats don’t brush their teeth on their own twice daily, this plaque and tartar build up unchecked without regular dental cleanings. Even in cats that do have their teeth brushed daily, there is still a buildup of plaque under the gumline (gingiva) in the small pockets around the teeth.
These areas are difficult to keep clean, which allows bacteria to remain and grow over time. But why is all this plaque buildup a problem?
What Plaque Is Made Of
Plaque is made of:
- Food debris
- Bacteria
- Biofilm that protects bacteria
This biofilm allows bacteria to stick in the pockets around the teeth and under the gums, making it harder to remove and easier for disease to develop.
Preventing Periodontal Disease in Cats
Plaque is made of food debris, bacteria, and a material called biofilm that is created by the bacteria to protect them from the oral environment. This biofilm allows them to stick in the pockets around the teeth and under the gums.
These bacteria create an inflammatory response that, over time, can lead to loss of the bone and soft tissue structures that stabilize the teeth. As these structures are destroyed, periodontal disease develops and becomes a source of pain and infection.
This infection creates stress and strain on other parts of the cat’s body, as the body works to fight against the ongoing bacterial invasion.
Tooth Resorption in Cats and Why It Is So Painful
Periodontal disease is not the only problem cats can develop in their mouths. Another issue cats can develop is tooth resorption, which is different from the cavities that occur in humans.
Resorption happens when some of the cells within a cat’s tooth begin to break down the structure of the tooth. As the supporting structure is lost, the tooth becomes weak and may fracture or expose the sensitive pulp.
Signs and Effects of Tooth Resorption
This condition can lead to:
- Significant pain
- Changes in behavior
- Decreased appetite
- Jaw chattering
Even if the tooth does not fracture, the pulp will eventually become exposed, which is extremely painful. Because these lesions often hide under the gingiva, anesthesia for a COHAT is necessary for both diagnosis and treatment.
Stomatitis in Cats: Severe Oral Inflammation
Another problem found in the mouth of some cats is stomatitis, which is an excessive inflammation of the tissues of the mouth. This condition causes severe pain and can significantly affect a cat’s behavior.
Cats have been reported to scream or run when they attempt to eat, and some may become aggressive due to discomfort. Others may stop eating altogether or drool excessively.
Some signs can be more subtle, as cats are very good at hiding illness. In many cases, sedation is required to safely examine the mouth.
Oral Tumors in Cats and Early Detection
An additional issue that can be discovered during a COHAT is an oral tumor. Oral tumors are not always cancer, but they should always be imaged and biopsied to determine a diagnosis.
If the tumor is inflammatory or benign, a treatment plan can be developed with the dental specialist or referring veterinarian. If the tumor is malignant, an oncology referral may be recommended.
The sooner an oral tumor is identified, the better the chances are for successful treatment.
The Role of Dental X-Rays and Cone Beam CT
With each of these diseases, imaging plays an important role in both diagnosis and treatment planning. Dental radiographs (x-rays) allow veterinarians to evaluate structures beneath the gumline and identify abnormalities that cannot be seen during a visual exam.
A Cone Beam CT provides even more detailed imaging and can reveal smaller or more complex changes. It also helps determine how far a disease has progressed, even when it appears minor on the surface.
For more information on this tool, refer to “Why Do a Cone Beam CT?” and “Finding What Lurks Beneath.”
Understanding Cat Dental Cleaning Importance for Long-Term Health
Now that you know some of the issues your cat can be hiding in their mouth, routine dental care becomes even more important. Regular veterinary visits should include a full physical exam along with an evaluation of the teeth and gums.
Recognizing the importance of cat dental cleaning can help prevent pain, detect disease earlier, and support your cat’s overall health. While cats cannot say thank you, the difference in their comfort and behavior after treatment often speaks for itself.
If you have concerns about your cat’s oral health or want to better understand the importance of a cat dental cleaning, contact our team to schedule an evaluation.
Photo by Ludemeula Fernandes on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 03/26/2026