Dental · Updated 2026-09-29
Tooth resorption in cats
A common, painful condition in which a cat's own cells break down tooth structure; many adult cats are affected.
Illustrative cover using relevant category imagery; it does not depict the exact subject.
Signs to watch for
- Dropping food or chewing on one side
- Jaw chattering
- Drooling
- Red gum line over part of a tooth
- Often no obvious signs
Causes and risk factors
The cause is not fully understood; it becomes more common with age.
How veterinarians diagnose it
Examination under anaesthetic with dental X-rays, which show damage below the gum line.
Treatment and management
Affected teeth are extracted, or the crown removed in some types. Cats usually eat well afterwards.
Prevention
No known prevention; annual dental checks catch lesions early.
Outlook
Excellent after treatment, though new lesions may appear on other teeth.
Common questions
- What are the signs of tooth resorption in cats?
- Dropping food or chewing on one side; Jaw chattering; Drooling; Red gum line over part of a tooth; Often no obvious signs.
- What causes tooth resorption in cats?
- The cause is not fully understood; it becomes more common with age.
- How is tooth resorption in cats diagnosed?
- Examination under anaesthetic with dental X-rays, which show damage below the gum line.
- How is tooth resorption in cats treated?
- Affected teeth are extracted, or the crown removed in some types. Cats usually eat well afterwards.
- Can tooth resorption in cats be prevented?
- No known prevention; annual dental checks catch lesions early.
- When should I contact a veterinarian?
- Cats hide dental pain well. Any change in eating deserves a dental check.
Preparing for a tooth resorption in cats consultation
- Record when these signs began and how they changed: Dropping food or chewing on one side; Jaw chattering; Drooling. Record appetite, water intake, toileting and any medicines or supplements.
- The listed urgency is prompt; worsening breathing, collapse, seizures or severe pain can make any situation an emergency. Ask the clinic rather than relying only on this category.
- Ask what else could explain the signs, which tests would change the plan and how discomfort will be managed. Symptoms alone cannot confirm this condition.
- Before going home, agree what to monitor, when to recheck and which signs mean calling sooner. Follow the individual treatment plan; do not copy another pet's prescription.
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Sources on this topic
Pages on this specific subject from recognised organisations. They are cited for further reading and do not mean the organisation has reviewed this page.
- Tooth Resorption — Cornell Feline Health Center
- Tooth Resorption in Cats — VCA Animal Hospitals
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.