Tooth and gum problems are very common in cats. A recent study has shown that nearly 1.8 million cats are diagnosed with dental disease each year in the UK. That means over 15% of all cats suffer annually with an oral health issue such as gum inflammation, decaying teeth and mouth pain. 

These figures are likely to be an underestimation, as cats are masters of hiding pain and discomfort. Not only that, but the signs of dental disease are also very hard to spot. Tooth root abscesses usually develop when a tooth that is already broken or diseased is left untreated. 

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What is a tooth root abscess?

An abscess begins in a damaged tooth, that may have been broken in a cat fight or by a hard piece of food, for example. Alternatively, the tooth may have been affected by plaque build-up or gum disease that gradually becomes worse until the tooth is loose and easily infected. Cats can also suffer from tooth resorption, where the tooth is gradually eroded. Tooth resorption is another way that bacteria can enter and infect the tooth root.

The infection can spread around the surrounding bone and tissues. Pus can accumulate and become trapped under the tooth, leading to the abscess. There will be pain, swelling and difficulty eating. 

How can you tell whether your cat has a tooth root abscess? 

Dental disease can be hard to spot in cats, but you may notice your cat:

  • Develops a swelling under their eye or on their cheek.
  • Has a painful mouth – this can manifest as pawing at the face, dropping food, chewing on one side, preferring to eat soft food, or going off food altogether.
  • Has bad breath.
  • Is sleeping or hiding more than usual.

A trip to the vets

This painful condition requires prompt veterinary treatment. To properly diagnose the abscess and determine which tooth is affected, your vet will want to perform an examination under a general anaesthetic and take dental x-rays.

How will your vet treat the problem?

Pain relief and antibiotics are the order of the day, and your cat will be very glad to experience some relief from a very uncomfortable problem. This will deal with the symptoms, but the underlying problem must be resolved by dental treatment under a general anaesthetic. 

A root canal treatment may be offered if the tooth is healthy enough to be saved. Root canal therapy is less invasive than extraction and, in most cases, root canal therapy saves the tooth’s structural integrity for the rest of a cat’s life. The most common course of action though is to extract the offending tooth, and this can be the only sensible route for a tooth that is extensively damaged.

After the dental treatment, be sure to follow your vet’s aftercare instructions for the recovery period.

Is there anything that can be done to prevent a tooth root abscess developing?

Cats seem to be predisposed to dental issues and some cats will need multiple dental procedures during their lifetime to keep their mouth healthy and pain-free. However, there are some things you can do at home to hopefully decrease the frequency that these procedures are needed:

  • Daily brushing – start as early as possible to get your cat used to the sensation. Cats Protection have a great video to help get you started here.
  • Dental diets – your vet will be able to recommend a suitable diet for your cat that is specially formulated to help control plaque and tartar. 

Because dental disease is so common in cats, it is recommended that cats have frequent dental check-ups with their vet to prevent more serious problems developing. 

If you’d like to read more about dental disease in cats, International Cat Care have some great information on their website for cat owners. You can also visit Cats Protection’s website where you can download their helpful guide to teeth and oral health.   This article is also enlightening! O’Neill et al. (2023) “Periodontal disease in cats under primary veterinary care in the UK: frequency and risk factors”, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.

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