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My cat can't chew, gulps, and I can't clean his teeth. Dental disease?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 years old | 118 lbs

I have concerns about my cat's dental hygiene. He is 5 years old & on a wet/dry food diet. I have noticed that he isn't able to chew his food so he swallows whole occasionally. I've also noted that after he finishes his food sometimes he "gulps." I have tried cleaning his teeth many times w/many different approaches, but he will never let me get close enough to clean them properly. Should I be worried about Dental Diesease? Is there a place I can take him to get his teeth professionally clean?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 18th, 2019

Hello. Some cats can have pretty severe dental disease & this can result in a very painful mouth. Any veterinarian can examine Moto for the degree of tartar & plaque on the teeth, & the presence of gum disease called periodontitis. Some cats can also develop very severe lesions on the gums & tissues at the back of the throat. This we call stomatitis. Moto might benefit from a professional cleaning, the use of antibiotics, the judicial use of steroids & even the removal of some teeth. Your veterinarian can determine what might be best for him & how best to help him. I hope you can have him seen soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would certainly be concerned about Minto's teeth. You should take him to your vet and they can assess the teeth and perform a dental under GA if required. Sometimes cats get issues with their gums because of over reaction by their immune system. Again your vet can advise on this.

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