Dental disease affects the majority of cats over three years of age, causing chronic oral pain, and home care significantly reduces disease progression between professional cleanings.
Chronic dental pain in cats is one of the most widespread and underrecognized welfare issues in companion animals. The difficulty of detecting dental pain in cats - who continue eating despite significant disease - means many cats live with undiagnosed oral pain for years. The welfare solution combines prevention (regular home care and professional cleaning) with improved pain recognition. Owners who establish tooth brushing habits in kittens and maintain regular dental examinations can dramatically reduce their cat's lifetime dental disease burden and associated pain.