Companion Animals

Cat Dental Disease Lifetime Prevention

Dental disease affects the majority of cats over 3 years of age and causes chronic oral pain, with lifetime prevention through diet and home care dramatically reducing disease burden.

Key Facts

Periodontal disease affects an estimated 70% of cats over 3 years old
Dental resorptive lesions are exquisitely painful and affect up to 60% of adult cats
Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard prevention, reducing disease by over 80%
Dental diets with large kibble sizes provide mechanical cleaning benefit
Annual dental examinations under sedation enable early detection and treatment

Welfare Considerations

Chronic dental pain is among the most common and underrecognised welfare problems in companion cats. Prevention is far more effective and less traumatic than treating advanced disease.

What You Can Do

Begin tooth brushing training from kittenhood using veterinary toothpaste
Schedule annual dental examinations under sedation from 3 years of age
Discuss dental diet options with your vet as an adjunct to brushing
Learn signs of dental pain including reduced appetite and head tilting