Cats rarely develop cavities, also known as dental caries, primarily due to the unique anatomy of their teeth, their natural carnivorous diet, and the specific oral environment within their mouths.
The Unique Feline Dental Structure
Unlike humans, cats do not have flat grinding surfaces on their teeth called occlusal tables. These horizontal surfaces are common in omnivores and herbivores and are where food particles, especially sugars, can easily get trapped, providing a fertile ground for cavity-causing bacteria.
A cat's teeth are designed for a very different purpose: shearing and tearing meat. They are typically sharp, pointed, and conical, such as their prominent canines and the specialized carnassial teeth (a large upper premolar and lower molar). This distinct tooth shape means there is insufficient surface area on their teeth for sugar-eating bacteria to stick to and initiate the decay process that leads to cavities.
The Role of a Carnivorous Diet
As obligate carnivores, cats naturally consume a diet that is high in protein and fat, and very low in carbohydrates and sugars. Sugars are the primary fuel source for the bacteria responsible for producing the acid that erodes tooth enamel and forms cavities. With minimal sugar in their natural diet, cats' mouths simply don't have the conditions needed for these cavity-forming bacteria to thrive.
The Difference: Cat Teeth vs. Human Teeth
To better understand why cats are less prone to cavities, consider the key differences in dental structure and function:
| Feature | Cat Teeth | Human Teeth |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Shearing, tearing, and puncturing meat | Grinding, crushing, and chewing a wide variety of foods |
| Occlusal Tables | Absent – no flat, horizontal surfaces for grinding | Present – flat surfaces (on premolars and molars) for grinding, prone to food and bacteria accumulation |
| Shape | Sharp, pointed, conical (e.g., canines, incisors, carnassials) to grip and cut | Varied: Incisors for biting, canines for tearing, premolars and molars with broad surfaces for grinding |
| Diet | Obligate carnivore; high protein, low carbohydrate/sugar | Omnivore; varied diet, often high in carbohydrates and sugars |
| Cavity Risk | Extremely Low due to tooth shape and diet, preventing bacterial adhesion and acid production | High, especially with diets rich in fermentable carbohydrates, which feed acid-producing bacteria |
What Dental Issues Do Cats Face Instead?
While cavities are rare, cats are highly susceptible to other significant and painful dental problems. It's crucial for pet owners to be aware of these conditions.
Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs)
These are not cavities, but a common and very painful condition where the tooth structure (enamel and dentin) erodes away, often starting at the gum line. FORLs can expose the sensitive pulp of the tooth, causing intense pain.
- Symptoms: Drooling, difficulty eating (especially hard food), pawing at the mouth, weight loss, irritability, or preferring to chew on one side of the mouth.
- Treatment: Affected teeth usually require extraction to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
Periodontal Disease
This is the most common dental disease in cats, affecting up to 80% of felines by age three. It begins with plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) accumulating on the teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums, leading to inflammation (gingivitis). Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the infection spreads below the gum line, damaging the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
- Stages: Ranges from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis with bone loss and tooth mobility.
- Consequences: Pain, tooth loss, bad breath, and potential systemic health issues if bacteria enter the bloodstream and affect organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Maintaining Your Cat's Oral Health
Since cavities are not a primary concern, feline dental care focuses on preventing and managing FORLs and periodontal disease.
- Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Annual or bi-annual visits allow your veterinarian to assess your cat's oral health and detect problems early.
- Professional Dental Cleanings: Routine cleanings under anesthesia are essential to remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line. This is often recommended every 1-3 years, depending on your cat's individual needs.
- At-Home Dental Care:
- Daily Tooth Brushing: If your cat tolerates it, brushing their teeth daily with a vet-approved feline toothpaste can significantly reduce plaque accumulation.
- Dental Diets and Treats: Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) that are specifically designed to reduce plaque and tartar.
- Monitor for Signs of Dental Pain: Be vigilant for changes in eating habits, drooling, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, or swelling around the face, and consult your vet if you notice any.
Understanding why cats don't get cavities helps focus attention on the real dental challenges they face, ensuring they receive the best possible care for a healthy and pain-free life.
