🦷 Vet Guide to Tooth Resorption in Cats (2025) 🐱

Tooth resorption (TR) is one of the most common and underdiagnosed dental diseases in cats. Affecting more than half of all cats over the age of three, this painful condition often progresses silently until it's advanced. In this in-depth 2025 guide, Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc explains everything pet parents need to know—from early detection to treatment strategies—to ensure their feline friends get the relief they deserve. 🐾🩺

❓ What Is Tooth Resorption?

Tooth resorption occurs when a cat’s body starts breaking down and absorbing parts of a tooth. The damage typically starts at the cemento-enamel junction—where the tooth meets the gum—and then spreads into the dentin and pulp. 😿

This destructive process often begins painlessly, but once the sensitive inner parts of the tooth are exposed, it causes significant discomfort, spasms, and infection. TR can affect any tooth, but most often targets the lower jaw premolars. 🦷

📊 Who Gets It?

• 📈 Over 50% of cats over three years old
• 🐶 Less common in dogs
• 😾 Often goes unnoticed until advanced stages

🧬 What Causes Tooth Resorption?

While the exact cause is unknown, several factors are believed to contribute:

• 🧪 Autoimmune responses
• 🦠 Viral infections like feline calicivirus
• ⚖️ Metabolic imbalances, especially involving calcium regulation

More research is ongoing in 2025, but these theories remain central to understanding the disease process. 🔬

🔍 Signs of Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption often shows few outward signs in early stages. However, when it becomes painful or infected, cats may exhibit:

• 🩸 Bleeding from the mouth
• 🐾 Pawing at the face or mouth
• 🍲 Avoiding hard food or dropping food while eating
• 💧 Excessive drooling
• 😿 Jaw spasms when painful areas are touched

Many cats hide their pain well, so regular dental checkups are crucial—even if your cat seems fine. 🩺

📸 Diagnosing TR with Dental X-rays

Intraoral radiographs are essential for diagnosing TR. These specialized dental X-rays help your vet assess:

• 🔎 Which teeth are affected
• 🧱 How deeply the resorption has progressed
• 🧬 The type and stage of the lesion

Without X-rays, it’s impossible to fully evaluate the damage beneath the gum line. Visual exams alone are not enough. 🧠

🧩 Types of Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption in cats is classified into three types:

• Type 1: Focal lesions with an intact root—typically extracted entirely
• Type 2: Root is being resorbed and replaced by bone—may allow crown amputation
• Type 3: A mix of both Type 1 and 2 in different areas of the same tooth

📈 The 5 Stages of Tooth Resorption

1. 🔵 Stage 1: Enamel defect only, no pain
2. 🟢 Stage 2: Enamel and dentin affected, early discomfort
3. 🟡 Stage 3: Pulp chamber invaded—painful
4. 🟠 Stage 4: Severe structural loss and nerve exposure
5. 🔴 Stage 5: Tooth is nearly or completely resorbed, often just a bump left

Once resorption enters the pulp, pain management becomes urgent. Cats may stop eating or show behavioral changes. 🧠

💉 Treatment Options in 2025

Treatment depends on the type and stage of the lesion. Dr. Duncan Houston recommends the following options:

🦷 1. Extraction

In most cases, the affected tooth must be surgically removed. This eliminates the source of pain and prevents infection. 🛠️

• 🔍 Full extraction for Type 1
• ✂️ Crown amputation may be used in Type 2 (if no inflammation is present)

📉 2. Monitoring (Stage 5 only)

If a tooth has already resorbed fully and shows no signs of inflammation or pain, no treatment may be needed. These “ghost” teeth are left alone unless symptoms arise. 👻

🛌 3. Pain Management

Pain control during and after treatment is critical. Options include:

• 💧 Buprenorphine (oral pain relief)
• 💉 Injectable anti-inflammatory medications
• 🧊 Cold compresses during acute episodes

🏥 Why Prompt Treatment Matters

Untreated TR can lead to chronic infections, severe oral pain, and even systemic issues. Infections from TR can travel through the bloodstream, affecting the kidneys, liver, or heart. 🫀

Regular dental evaluations—including under anesthesia—are the gold standard for detecting and managing TR before it becomes debilitating. 📆

🏠 Home Care Tips

• 🪥 Brush your cat’s teeth daily with vet-approved toothpaste
• 🍽️ Provide a dental-supportive diet
• 🔍 Monitor for changes in eating habits or drooling
• 🧼 Schedule annual dental X-rays if your cat is over 3 years old

📲 Ask A Vet for Real-Time Dental Help

Suspect your cat might be suffering from tooth resorption? Connect with a licensed veterinarian—like Dr. Duncan Houston—through the Ask A Vet app. 🐾📱

Visit AskAVet.com or download the app today to ask questions, review X-rays, or get personalized treatment plans—right from your home. 🩺🏡

💬 Final Thoughts

Tooth resorption is a painful but treatable condition. With regular dental checkups, early intervention, and the right surgical care, your cat can enjoy a pain-free, healthy life. 😻

Don’t wait for visible signs—get proactive about your cat’s dental health today. Dr. Duncan Houston and the Ask A Vet team are here to support you every step of the way. 🐱🦷