Different from periodontal disease, tooth resorption is another type of dental problem that can be common in cats, especially as they age.

Tooth resorption occurs when the dentin (the part of the tooth beneath the enamel) in one or more teeth begins to erode. This can cause significant pain and difficulty eating.

There are several stages of tooth resorption as the condition progresses. In later stages, most of the tooth’s structure is destroyed, leaving a bump under the gum where the tooth was.

The causes of feline tooth resorption are not fully understood. Some veterinary experts think it is an autoimmune or inflammatory condition, and others think it might be related to diet and nutrition.

While the cause is unknown, there are some common symptoms of tooth resorption including:

• Signs of pain while eating or when the affected tooth is touched. In serious cases, the jaw may tremble or spasm when the tooth is touched.
• Chewing food on one side of the mouth with the head tilted.
• Swallowing food with minimal chewing and food falling out of the mouth.
• Increased salivation and oral bleeding.

Treatment for tooth resorption can vary depending on what stage your cat is in. Vets generally like to take X-rays to determine the full extent of the problem.

Early stages can be monitored, while in mid to late stages, the usual treatment is tooth extraction. These are the most painful stages for your cat because the sensitive parts of the tooth are exposed. In the final stage, there is nothing left to extract so no treatment is needed.

Tooth resorption can be difficult to spot, and it can be confused with other forms of periodontal disease, so it’s essential to bring your cat to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.