Felines First
Veterinary Hospital
Putting them first, just like you.
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems we see in cats. In fact, studies suggest that most cats develop some degree of dental disease during their lifetime. Unfortunately, cats are experts at hiding pain, which means significant oral disease can be present long before obvious symptoms appear.
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At Felines First Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive feline dental care, including oral examinations, digital dental radiographs, professional dental cleanings, extractions when necessary, and advanced oral health screening through AnimalBiome's Oral Microbiome Health Test.
Whether your cat is due for a preventive dental cleaning or showing signs of oral discomfort, our goal is to identify disease early and help keep your cat comfortable for years to come.
Signs Your Cat May Need Dental Care
Many cats with dental disease continue eating and acting normally despite significant discomfort.
Schedule an examination if you notice:
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Bad breath
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Red or swollen gums
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Yellow or brown tartar buildup
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Dropping food while eating
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Preference for soft food
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Pawing at the mouth
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Excessive drooling
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Decreased appetite
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Weight loss
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Facial swelling
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Behavioral changes or irritability
Even if none of these signs are present, dental disease can exist below the gumline where it cannot be seen during a routine awake examination.
Why Dental X-Rays Matter
What We Can See Isn't Always the Whole Story
More than half of every tooth lies below the gumline. While a tooth may appear healthy on the surface, infection, bone loss, root disease, or tooth resorption may be hidden beneath the gums.
For this reason, we perform full-mouth digital dental radiographs as part of every dental procedure.
Dental radiographs help us identify:
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Tooth resorption
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Tooth root infections
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Bone loss
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Fractured teeth
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Retained roots
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Periodontal disease
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Oral pain that cannot be detected visually
This allows us to make informed treatment recommendations and avoid leaving painful disease untreated.
Common Dental Conditions in Cats
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease begins with plaque and bacteria accumulating around the teeth and gums. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, infection, bone loss, and tooth loss. It is the most common dental condition seen in cats.
Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption is a uniquely common feline dental disease in which the body begins breaking down the tooth itself. These lesions are often extremely painful and may only be visible on dental radiographs.
Gingivitis & Stomatitis
Inflammation of the gums and oral tissues can cause significant discomfort and may require specialized treatment plans, including extractions in severe cases.
What Happens During a Dental Procedure?
Every dental procedure at Felines First includes:
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✓ Comprehensive oral examination
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✓ General anesthesia with individualized monitoring
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✓ Professional scaling above and below the gumline
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✓ Full-mouth digital dental radiographs
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✓ Dental charting
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✓ Polishing of the teeth
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✓ Pain management tailored to your cat
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✓ Extractions when medically necessary
A pre-anesthetic examination and laboratory screening will be performed prior to the procedure to help evaluate your cat's health before anesthesia.
NEW: Oral Microbiome Health Testing
A Closer Look at Your Cat's Oral Health
Why We Like This Test
We are excited to offer the AnimalBiome Oral Microbiome Health Test as an optional addition to your cat's dental care.
This innovative test evaluates the bacterial community living within your cat's mouth—known as the oral microbiome. Research suggests that changes in these bacterial populations may be associated with periodontal disease, inflammation, bad breath, and other oral health concerns.
The Oral Microbiome Health Test can:
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Identify bacterial imbalances associated with oral disease
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Provide a deeper look at your cat's oral health beyond visual examination
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Help guide long-term oral health recommendations
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Establish a baseline for monitoring changes over time
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Complement professional dental treatment and home dental care
Exclusive Dental Discount
When performed in conjunction with a scheduled dental procedure, we offer the AnimalBiome Oral Microbiome Health Test at a discounted rate.
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Ask our team whether your cat may benefit from oral microbiome testing during their next dental visit.
Home Dental Care Matters
Professional dental care is only part of maintaining a healthy mouth.
Depending on your cat's needs, we may recommend:
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Tooth brushing
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VOHC-approved dental diets
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Dental treats
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Oral health supplements
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Routine oral examinations
We'll help you develop a realistic plan that works for both you and your cat.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Because cats often hide oral pain, routine dental evaluations are one of the most important preventive services we provide.
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If you've noticed bad breath, changes in eating habits, visible tartar, or if your cat has never had a dental evaluation, we'd love to help.