6 Shocking Reasons Why are my Cat’s Teeth Falling out?

Why are my Cat’s Teeth Falling out? 1. Gum disease 2. Tooth resorption 3. Poor dental care 4. Infection 5. Trauma or injury 6. Aging-related decay.

Why are my Cat’s Teeth Falling out?

Seeing your cat lose teeth can be alarming, especially if the tooth appears on the floor, in food, or if you notice gaps in their mouth.

While tooth loss is normal for kittens, it is not normal for adult cats. When an adult cat’s teeth start falling out, it usually means there is a dental or health problem that needs quick attention.

This complete guide explains the 7 important reasons why your cat’s teeth may be falling out, early warning signs, prevention, and when to visit the vet.

Cat’s Teeth Falling Out

Reason	What It Means	Common Signs	What You Should Do
Gum Disease (Periodontitis)	Severe gum infection destroys teeth support	Bad breath, swollen gums	Professional cleaning + treatment
Tooth Resorption	Body breaks down tooth root	Pain, drooling	Vet extraction required
Injury / Trauma	Falls or hits damage teeth	Broken teeth, bleeding	Emergency vet check
Feline Stomatitis	Painful mouth inflammation	Red mouth, crying while eating	Long-term vet care
Severe Tartar Build-up	Hard plaque weakens teeth	Yellow/brown teeth, gum bleeding	Dental cleaning
Infection / Abscess	Pus pocket weakens tooth root	Swelling, fever	Antibiotics + extraction
Old Age	Teeth naturally weaken in seniors	Loose teeth, bad breath	Regular checkups + soft food

1. Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

The number one reason adult cats lose teeth is gum disease, also called periodontitis. Poor dental hygiene allows bacteria to form plaque and tartar, which causes gum inflammation and infection.

Over time, this infection damages the:

• Gum tissue
• Tooth root
• Jaw bone

Eventually, the tooth becomes loose and falls out.

Signs:

• Foul breath
• Red or bleeding gums
• Visible tartar
• Difficulty chewing

Gum disease is painful and spreads quickly. Professional dental cleaning and antibiotic treatment are usually required.

2. Tooth Resorption (Very Common in Cats)

Tooth resorption is a painful condition where the body breaks down the tooth from the inside, leading to tooth loss. It is extremely common in adult cats, especially older ones.

In this condition, the tooth slowly dissolves, and eventually the crown falls off.

Symptoms:

• Drooling
• Turning the head while eating
• Sudden tooth loss
• Sensitivity when touching the mouth

There is no home treatment — only a vet can manage this, usually through extraction.

3. Injury or Trauma

Cats can break or lose teeth due to accidental injuries such as:

• Fighting with other cats
• Falling from a height
• Getting hit by a hard object
• Chewing something too tough

Trauma can break the root or loosen the tooth, causing it to fall out.

Signs:

• Bleeding from the mouth
• Cracked or missing tooth
• Pawing at the mouth
• Sudden refusal to eat

A broken tooth is a medical emergency because exposed nerves are extremely painful.

4. Feline Stomatitis

Stomatitis is a severe inflammatory disease that causes the cat’s immune system to overreact to plaque. This leads to painful swelling of the:

• Gums
• Tongue
• Mouth lining
• Throat

This inflammation weakens the teeth and causes them to fall out over time.

Symptoms include:

• Red, inflamed mouth
• Crying or screaming during eating
• Drooling
• Weight loss

Stomatitis requires long-term veterinary care and sometimes removal of multiple teeth to relieve pain.

5. Severe Tartar Build-up

If a cat’s teeth are not cleaned regularly, plaque turns into hard tartar, which pushes the gums back and leads to tooth loosening.

Common signs:

• Yellow or brown teeth
• Gums bleeding when touched
• Strong bad breath

A professional cleaning can remove tartar and save the remaining teeth.

6. Infection or Abscess

A tooth abscess is a painful pocket of infection under the tooth. Untreated, it destroys the root and causes the tooth to fall out.

Other symptoms include:

• Swelling around the jaw
• Fever
• Pus discharge
• One-sided chewing

Abscesses require vet treatment, usually with antibiotics and sometimes tooth extraction.

7. Old Age and Natural Wear

Senior cats (10+ years) may lose teeth naturally due to:

• Weakening roots
• Long-term tartar buildup
• Reduced bone strength

Although age contributes, tooth loss still indicates underlying dental issues that need treatment.

Is It Normal for Kittens to Lose Teeth?

Yes. Kittens lose baby teeth between 3 to 6 months of age. This is part of normal growth and should not cause concern.

But any tooth loss in adult cats is abnormal.

When Should You See a Vet?

You should take your cat to the vet if you notice:

• Missing or loose teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Difficulty eating
• Drooling
• Strong bad breath
• Visible pus
• Crying during meals

Dental problems worsen quickly, so early treatment is important.

How to Prevent Teeth Loss in Cats

• Brush your cat’s teeth 2–3 times per week
• Give dental treats and chew toys
• Schedule yearly dental checkups
• Use vet-approved oral gels
• Keep diet balanced and avoid very hard foods

Healthy mouth = stronger, longer-lasting teeth.

FAQs

Q1: Is it normal for adult cats to lose teeth?
No. Adult cats should not lose teeth. If it happens, it usually means dental disease or injury.

Q2: My cat lost one tooth — should I worry?
Yes. Even one tooth loss indicates a problem that needs a vet check.

Q3: Can dental problems be painful for cats?
Very painful. Cats often hide mouth pain, so changes in behavior or eating habits are serious signs.

Q4: Can I treat my cat’s tooth problems at home?
No. Infections, gum disease, resorption, or broken teeth need professional veterinary care.

Q5: Are dental cleanings necessary?
Yes. Professional cleaning removes tartar and prevents tooth loss.

Q6: Why does my cat have bad breath along with tooth loss?
Bad breath usually means gum disease or infection, both of which can cause teeth to fall out.