10 Signs of Cat Tooth Pain

Cats are masters of hiding their pain, a survival skill used by their ancestors to avoid revealing their vulnerability in the wild. This can make it difficult to identify when something is wrong, especially when it comes to dental issues! After all, most cat owners aren’t inspecting their cat’s teeth on a regular basis. Today, I’m going to share 10 signs of cat tooth pain and what you can do if you suspect that there is a problem.

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If you’ve ever experienced a toothache, then you know how incredibly painful it can be.

Imagine, then, experiencing this ongoing pain without being able to tell someone that you are suffering or asking for help.

That is why, as a loving cat owner, it is so important to familiarize yourself with the signs of dental problems in your feline friend.

Before we dig into the most common signs of cat tooth pain, I want to take a moment to talk about the importance of prevention and proper cat dental care.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 70% of cats will experience some form of oral disease by the age of 3.

The most common dental problem experienced by cats is Feline Periodontal Disease.

Feline Periodontal Disease Is an oral infection that is caused by bacteria found in dental plaque that has been allowed to build up on a cat’s teeth.

Let’s take a step back and consider that for just a moment… The most common dental problem can be prevented through the regular cleaning of plaque and tartar from a cat’s teeth.

If dental care wasn’t part of your cat’s regular grooming routine, I’m sure it is now!

Related: ‘Why Is My Cat Eating Litter?‘

Not only will brushing your cat’s teeth regularly help to eliminate the risk of unnecessary dental pain, but it’s also going to help spare your bank account.

The cost of dental care products is far less than the cost associated with treating oral disease.

Consider picking up a cat-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste, dental water additive for pets, cat dental care treats, and even cat dental care toys to prioritize dental health today!

Another step that you can take to optimize your cat’s dental health is to feed a high-quality dry cat food.

Oral care/dental health foods are designed to remove plaque and tartar from your cat’s teeth naturally while they are eating.

The goal is to keep your cat’s teeth clean and free from plaque in order to avoid dental problems altogether.

Unfortunately, that’s not always possible. Even with the best care, some cats will still develop tooth pain that will require professional treatment.

Which takes us back to the original topic of this post…

10 Signs of Cat Tooth Pain

#1 – Bad Breath

Okay, your cat’s breath likely isn’t overly ‘pretty’ to begin with. Kitty breath, cause by the food that they are eating, is no bed of roses.

However, if you notice that your cat’s breath is even worse than usual, take note!

Many mouth, tooth and gum disorders are caused by the development of an infection in your cat’s mouth.

In addition to causing your poor kitty pain and discomfort, these infections also tend to create an ‘off’ odour that can be picked up in your cat’s breath.

#2 – Red and Swollen Gums

Not all cats will allow you to take a look at their mouth, however, if your cat is willing to let you take a peek, check the colour of their gums.

Health gums in a cat are pink in colour.

If notice that their gums are red and/or swollen, that could be a sign of gingivitis.

While you are examining your cat’s gums, take a look at the condition of the teeth themselves.

Check for loose/missing teeth, broken teeth, or any exposed roots. These are both signs of a problem.

#3 – Changes in Eating Habits

Pay attention to how much your cat is eating. If he/she is experiencing dental pain, it may be difficult to eat dry cat food, leading to avoidance or chewing off to one side.

Some cats will try to eat only to drop the food from their mouth.

In other cases, your cat may try to eat while avoiding pain by swallowing their food whole. This often causes the cat to then vomit unchewed food.

Related: ‘How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Furniture‘

#4 – Unexplained Weight Loss

If your cat has been experiencing pain for a while, you may not have noticed a change in their eating habits.

However, if your cat is unable to eat normally for a length of time, the lack of proper nutrition may cause sudden and unexplained weight loss.

#5 – Drooling or Jaw Chattering

Your cat may start producing an excessive amount of saliva as a response to whatever oral problems they are experiencing.

Take note if your cat starts to drool (or drool more than usual if they normally drool to some extent).

Jaw chattering refers to shaking or quivering in the jaw area.

It is often a direct response to pain in the teeth following grooming, eating or any other activity that acts as a trigger.

This is usually caused by cavities in the teeth or having exposed roots.  

#6 – Decreased Grooming

Your cat’s grooming habits are generally a good way to identify any type of illness or discomfort.

Most cats, when they aren’t feeling well, will start to slack off on their self-grooming or stop altogether, causing their coat to look unkempt, greasy, or matted.

Even if you don’t suspect dental issues, contact your veterinarian if you notice a sudden drop in self-grooming.

#7 – Rubbing, Scratching or Pawing at the Mouth or Face

If your cat is suddenly pawing or scratching at its mouth, or rubbing it regularly against other objects, he/she may be trying to address some form of pain.

Just as we often rub or grasp at the source of pain in our own bodies, your cat is trying to find relief in any way possible.

Related: ‘The Benefits of Cat Grass for Your Feline Friend‘

#8 – Head Shaking or Head Tilts

Head tilt are often associated with ear problems, however, it’s not uncommon for pain and discomfort in the jaw to also impact the ear area.

If your cat is excessively shaking their head or suddenly holding their head at a tilted angle, this is a sign that something isn’t quite right.

#9 – Excessive Yawning or Difficulty Closing His/Her Mouth

If your cat is in enough pain, they may actually have difficulty closing their mouth.

They may keep trying, opening and closing their mouth repeatedly, or simply sit with their mouth partially open when they wouldn’t normally.

They may also start yawning excessively or grinding their teeth as a response to their discomfort.  

#10 – Changes in Behaviour/Irritability

Has your cat been showing changes in their overall behaviour and personality? When this happens suddenly and out of the blue, it’s always a red flag!

A cat that is in pain may be sensitive to being touched, especially on the face or around the mouth.

You may notice that your cat becomes irritable (or more irritable than usual) or they may become downright aggressive, growling at your or attacking you if you try to come close.   

Next Steps…

If you notice one or more of the above listed signs of cat tooth pain in your cat, even if you aren’t sure but suspect that there may be a problem, don’t ignore it.

In order to relieve the pain that your cat is experiencing, he/she may require pain killers for immediate relief and antibiotics to fight infection for long-term relief.

More extreme cases may also call for the removal of one or more teeth.

Left unaddressed, many dental conditions can progress causing even larger health concerns in your cat.

For example, if the infection from feline periodontal disease reaches the blood stream it can then travel throughout the body causing widespread organ damage.

If you suspect that your cat may be experiencing any type of oral or dental problems, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Have you ever experienced dental problems with your cat? If so, what signs of cat tooth pain did your cat exhibit? Did I miss any important signs that you believe deserve a mention?

I’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments below.