Sphynx Dental Care: Gum Disease, Brushing and What to Watch For

Owners spend a lot of time thinking about Sphynx skin and very little thinking about Sphynx teeth. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in adult cats of every breed, and many Sphynx owners and vets report that gum problems are worth watching closely in this breed. The good news is that most dental disease is slow, visible and preventable with a little routine. This guide covers what to look for, how to brush a cat’s teeth without a battle, and when to book a dental check.

The dental problems cats get

Plaque, tartar and gingivitis

Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that builds up on teeth daily. Left alone, it hardens into tartar — the yellow-brown crust you see at the gum line — and irritates the gums, causing gingivitis: red, swollen gums that may bleed. Gingivitis is reversible if caught early.

Periodontal disease

When gingivitis continues, the tissues holding the tooth in place break down. Periodontal disease is painful, can lead to tooth loss, and is not reversible — the damage can only be managed.

Tooth resorption

Tooth resorption is a common and painful condition in cats in which the tooth structure breaks down, often starting below the gum line. Its cause is not fully understood. Affected teeth usually need to be removed by a vet, and dental X-rays are needed to assess it properly.

Gingivostomatitis

Some cats develop severe, painful inflammation of the gums and mouth. It needs veterinary management and is one of the reasons any persistent mouth redness should be checked.

Signs your cat’s mouth hurts

Cats hide pain well. Look out for:

• Bad breath that is more than “cat food breath”.
• Red or bleeding gums, or a red line along the gum edge.
• Visible tartar.
• Dropping food, chewing on one side, or preferring soft food.
• Pawing at the mouth or drooling.
• Reduced appetite or weight loss.

A hairless cat offers one small advantage here: changes in grooming, drooling or facial swelling are easy to see.

How to brush a cat’s teeth

Daily brushing is the most effective home care for preventing plaque. A few times a week still helps. The key is patience: build up over a couple of weeks.

1. Choose the right products. Use a cat toothpaste only — never human toothpaste, which can contain ingredients harmful to cats. Cat toothpastes come in flavours cats tend to like. Use a soft cat toothbrush or a finger brush.
2. Start with taste. For a few days, just let your cat lick a little toothpaste from your finger.
3. Touch the mouth. Gently lift the lip and rub your finger along the outer surface of the teeth and gums for a few seconds.
4. Introduce the brush. Once that is accepted, use the brush on a few teeth, focusing on the outer surfaces and the gum line, particularly the back teeth.
5. Keep it short. Thirty seconds is plenty to begin with. Finish before the cat objects, and reward.

Fitting toothbrushing into an existing routine — after the weekly bath and ear clean, or at the same time every evening — makes it far easier to stick to. Our Sphynx grooming routine covers the rest of that session.

If brushing is not possible

Some cats will not tolerate brushing, and some owners cannot manage it. Other options can help, though none are as effective as brushing:

• Dental treats and diets designed to reduce plaque. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal indicates products that have been tested for plaque or tartar control.
• Water additives or gels recommended by your vet.
• More frequent professional checks.

Food alone does not clean teeth. Ask your vet which options suit your cat.

Professional dental care

Your vet should look at your cat’s teeth at every routine check-up. If there is tartar, gum disease or a suspected problem tooth, they may recommend a dental procedure under general anaesthetic. That is the only way to clean below the gum line, take dental X-rays and treat problems safely. It is normal to feel nervous about anaesthesia; ask your vet about pre-anaesthetic checks. For a Sphynx, that is a good moment to mention the breed’s association with HCM, so the team can decide whether any heart assessment is appropriate first. Our Sphynx health guide explains HCM.

Kittens and teething

Kittens lose their baby teeth and gain adult teeth over the first several months of life. You may find a tiny tooth on the floor, or notice a little gum redness or extra chewing. Occasionally a baby tooth does not fall out when the adult tooth comes through; mention it to your vet if you see two teeth in one spot. Teething is the ideal time to start getting a kitten used to having its mouth handled.

Dental care and diet

Sphynx eat a lot for their size, and many owners feed wet food, which is good for hydration. Wet food does not cause dental disease by itself, and dry food does not prevent it on its own. A complete, appropriate diet supports overall health, including gums. See what to feed a Sphynx for more.

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Start young

Kittens that have their mouths, ears and paws handled from early on make grown cats that accept care calmly. It is part of how we raise every litter. See available kittens, or First Look if you would like to hear about upcoming litters first.

Meet the cats behind the advice

Everything here comes out of running a household of Sphynx and Donskoy cats — meet the queens, studs and kittens, or send us an enquiry if you have a question we have not answered.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use human toothpaste on my cat?

No. Human toothpaste can contain ingredients that are harmful to cats. Use a toothpaste made for cats with a soft cat toothbrush or finger brush.

How often should I brush my Sphynx cat's teeth?

Daily brushing is the most effective home dental care. A few times a week still helps. Build up slowly over a couple of weeks so it becomes a calm routine.