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Cat Dental Scaling

Dental scaling is one of the most important ways to keep your cat’s mouth healthy. Many cats develop dental disease by age three, which can lead to pain, tooth loss, and infections. Cat dental scaling removes tartar, plaque and bacteria from the teeth, helping prevent long-term problems.
  • Cat dental scaling keeps teeth and gums clean and healthy
  • Prevents bad breath, gum disease and tooth loss
  • Reduces bacteria that can spread to vital organs
  • Improves comfort, appetite and overall quality of life
cat dental scaling

Why Does My Cat Need Dental Scaling?

Cats naturally develop plaque on their teeth after eating. If it is not cleaned, the plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and harbors bacteria. Over time, this leads to gingivitis, periodontal disease, and painful infections. Cats cannot brush their own teeth and most owners find home brushing difficult. That’s why professional dental scaling is the safest way to prevent serious dental disease.

Types of Cat Dental Problems

Gingivitis

This is the earliest stage of dental disease. The gums become red, swollen and may bleed when touched. Gingivitis happens when plaque and tartar irritate the gum line.

At this stage, cat dental scaling can reverse the problem and stop it from turning into something worse.

Periodontal Disease

If gingivitis is not treated, it progresses to periodontal disease. Here, the infection spreads deeper, damaging the ligaments and bone that hold the teeth in place. Cats may have loose teeth, receding gums and difficulty eating.

Periodontal disease is painful and often needs advanced treatment, but dental scaling helps slow it down and manage the condition.

Tooth Resorption

A very common problem in cats where the tooth begins to break down from the inside. This condition is extremely painful, even if your cat doesn’t show it.

Sometimes, the only solution is tooth extraction, but dental exams and scaling help detect tooth resorption early.

Stomatitis

This is a severe inflammatory condition where the cat’s immune system overreacts to plaque and bacteria in the mouth. It causes widespread ulcers, swelling and pain. Cats with stomatitis may stop eating completely.

Professional cleaning with cat dental scaling reduces bacteria and inflammation, but some cases need ongoing care.
cat dental scaling

Symptoms of Dental Problems in Cats

Cats who need dental scaling may show:

Bad breath (halitosis)

A strong odor from your cat’s mouth is often the first sign of dental disease. It’s caused by bacteria living in plaque and tartar.

Difficulty eating or chewing

You might notice your cat dropping food from their mouth, chewing only on one side or refusing to eat dry kibble. This usually means eating is painful.

Loose, broken, or missing teeth

As dental disease progresses, teeth can loosen or fall out. This is painful and makes eating very difficult.

Drooling or pawing at the mouth

Cats with sore gums or infected teeth may drool excessively or use their paws to scratch at the mouth because of discomfort.

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

Healthy gums should be pink. Gums that look red, puffy or bleed when touched are a clear sign of gingivitis or infection.

Facial swelling

Severe dental infections can spread into the jaw or under the skin, causing swelling on the face, especially near the eyes or cheeks.

Cat Vet Service

Surgery

Soft Tissue Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Castration, Spay, Caesarean Section

Blood Test

In-house lab for quick results.

Diagnosis

Accurate assessments to guide effective treatment.

Hospitalization

Comfortable ward for recovery and observation.

Home Care Support

Guidance for recovery at home.

Dentistry

Professional cleaning and dental care for pets.

Wound Treatment

From minor cuts to major injuries.

Vaccination

Protection against common diseases.

Vaccination

Protection against common diseases.

Digestive Care

Solutions for vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.

Neutering

Safe procedures with fast recovery.

Urinalysis

Detect urinary and kidney problems early.

Cat Dental Scaling FAQ

Cat dental scaling is a professional cleaning procedure done under anesthesia to remove tartar, plaque, and bacteria. It keeps your cat’s mouth healthy and prevents dental disease.

Most cats develop dental problems by age three. Without dental scaling, plaque and tartar lead to gum disease, bad breath, and painful infections that affect overall health.

 

Yes. Cat dental scaling is performed under anesthesia, which allows for a thorough and pain-free cleaning. Modern monitoring makes the procedure very safe.

Most cats benefit from scaling once a year. Some cats with fast tartar buildup may need it more often. Your vet will guide you based on your cat’s condition. Go to your nearest vet for service.

Without dental care, cats can suffer tooth loss, painful infections and bacteria spreading to the heart, kidneys or liver. Cat dental scaling prevents these serious risks.

Most cats go home the same day. They may be a little sleepy but return to normal eating and behavior within 24 hours.

Simply click the Appointment button on our website or call us directly. Online booking saves you time and ensures your cat gets.

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