What It Is
Tooth resorption is a painful dental condition where a cat’s tooth structure breaks down and is slowly reabsorbed by the body. It often starts below the gumline, so it’s invisible to the naked eye, until it becomes advanced (and excruciating).
This condition used to be called “feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs),” but these days it’s simply known as tooth resorption.
It’s one of the most common dental diseases in cats, affecting up to 70% of cats over age 5.
🐾 Common Symptoms
Tooth resorption is often silent at first, but as it progresses, cats may show:
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Sudden pain when eating
- Chattering or jaw trembling when chewing
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Preference for soft food
- Appetite changes
- Hiding or irritability
- Weight loss
Many cats show no obvious signs until the tooth becomes severely damaged or infected.
🦠 Causes
The exact cause of tooth resorption is still unknown. Theories include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Chronic inflammation (gingivitis or tartar buildup)
- Excess vitamin D (in some diets)
- Immune system dysfunction
- Cellular breakdown of dentin (part of the tooth beneath enamel)
What we do know: once it starts, it doesn’t stop. The tooth will continue to break down.
🔍 Diagnosis
Because it often starts below the gumline, X-rays are essential to diagnose tooth resorption.
Veterinary diagnosis includes:
- Full oral exam (usually under anesthesia)
- Dental probing (to check for lesions at or below the gumline)
- Full-mouth dental X-rays
- Staging of lesions (based on how much of the tooth is affected)
Resorptive lesions are usually not visible during a routine awake exam.
💊 Treatment
There is no cure for tooth resorption. The only effective treatment is removal of the affected tooth or teeth.
Treatment may include:
- Tooth extraction – complete removal of the root and crown
- Crown amputation with root retention – used only in specific cases (e.g., no inflammation, roots already being absorbed)
- Pain management – during and after surgery
- Antibiotics – sometimes used to manage secondary infection
Your vet will decide the appropriate surgical option based on X-rays, tooth structure, and surrounding inflammation.
🩺 Prognosis
With proper treatment, most cats recover well and feel significantly better once painful teeth are removed. However, new lesions may develop over time, so ongoing dental monitoring is essential.
Many cats eventually lose most or all of their teeth, but live long, happy, and pain-free lives without them.
💡 Cat Owner Note
If your cat seems fine but suddenly flinches when chewing or stops eating dry food, don’t assume they’re just “being picky.” Tooth resorption is sneaky, and seriously painful. Your cat will likely feel better after extractions, not worse.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Resorption
Can tooth resorption be cured?
No. Once it starts, it can’t be reversed. The affected tooth needs to be removed to stop the pain.
How do I know if my cat has it?
You can’t always tell at home. X-rays under anesthesia are the only way to reliably diagnose it early.
Is extraction really necessary?
Yes. Keeping a resorbing tooth causes ongoing pain and inflammation. Removing it is the only way to provide relief.
Will my cat be able to eat without teeth?
Yes! Most cats eat soft food (and even some dry food) just fine after extractions. They often eat better once their mouth is no longer painful.
How common is this?
Very. Studies suggest over 50–70% of cats develop at least one resorptive lesion during their lifetime.
Can it affect multiple teeth at once?
Absolutely. It’s common for vets to find multiple resorbing teeth during one procedure.