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Feline Oral Disease
Cats are masters at hiding pain, which is why dental disease often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. While dogs and cats share many dental problems, felines also develop unique conditions that require specialized care. At East Tennessee Veterinary Dentistry, we provide thorough dental evaluations to identify and treat these “cat-specific” diseases, helping your cat live a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life.
Common Feline Dental Diseases
Feline Gingivostomatitis (stomatitis)
A severe immune-mediated reaction to dental plaque that causes extreme mouth pain and inflammation. Most cats require partial or full-mouth extractions for long-term relief, and most are far more comfortable after surgery—even without teeth.
Feline Tooth Resorption
A painful condition that destroys the hard substances of the tooth crown and/or roots, which leads to tooth fractures and increased sensitivity. These lesions can't be filled or repaired - affected teeth must be extracted, guided by dental X-rays and requiring optical magnification and advanced extraction techniques to ensure complete root removal safely.
Fractured Canine Tooth
Even small cracks in a cat’s canine teeth can expose the pulp and lead to infection, abscess, and chronic pain. Diagnosis requires anesthesia and dental radiographs, with treatment involving root canal therapy or extraction.
Juvenile-Onset Gingivitis/Periodontitis
​Some kittens develop gum inflammation early in life, even with minimal tartar. Without treatment, it can progress to bone loss and tooth resorption. Regular dental cleanings, extractions of teeth with bone loss, and home care are essential to minimizing the effects of this disease and saving as many teeth as possible. With diligent care, this condition improves with age.
Protecting Your Cat's Smile
Good feline dental health depends on a partnership between you and your veterinary team. At home, daily tooth brushing and VOHC-approved dental products can help reduce plaque buildup. In the clinic, regular dental cleanings under anesthesia and full-mouth radiographs allow us to catch problems that you can’t see.
Why It Matters
Feline dental disease is common, painful, and often silent—but it is also treatable. Whether it’s stomatitis, tooth resorption, fractured teeth, or juvenile gingivitis, our team is here to provide compassionate, specialized care tailored to your cat’s unique needs
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By staying proactive, you can help ensure your cat enjoys a healthy, pain-free mouth for years to come.