# Association of Skull Type, Diet, and Chronic Gingivostomatitis with Tooth Resorption in Cats Receiving Dental Treatment

## TL;DR

This study finds that skull type and diet may influence tooth resorption severity in cats, with brachycephalic breeds showing advanced lesions at younger ages.

## Contribution

The study identifies diet and skull type as potential factors influencing tooth resorption severity in cats, particularly in brachycephalic breeds.

## Key findings

- Brachycephalic cats had advanced tooth resorption lesions at younger ages compared to non-brachycephalic cats.
- Cats fed premium diets showed a higher prevalence of severe tooth resorption lesions.
- Chronic gingivostomatitis was more common in non-brachycephalic cats but not linked to tooth resorption severity.

## Abstract

Tooth resorption is a common and painful dental condition in cats. Its causes, particularly in young brachycephalic cats, are not well understood. In this study of 166 cats, we evaluated the links between skull type, diet, and chronic oral inflammation and how they are related to disease severity. Brachycephalic cats (e.g., Persians) were younger but had already developed advanced lesions. In contrast, non-brachycephalic cats more frequently had chronic gingivostomatitis, which was not associated with increased tooth resorption. Cats fed premium diets showed a higher prevalence of severe lesions. Overall, these findings suggest that skull type and cat diet may have a stronger influence on tooth resorption. Although a direct cause cannot be proven, more research is needed to determine whether early dental checks and special diets can slow tooth resorption in cats.

Tooth resorption (TR) is a common and painful dental disease in cats. The contributions of skull type, diet, and chronic gingivostomatitis (CGS) to its development remain unclear. We retrospectively reviewed 166 cats with TR confirmed radiographically to evaluate these associations. Brachycephalic cats (N = 33) were significantly younger than non-brachycephalic cats (7.1 ± 2.6 vs. 8.7 ± 3.8 years, p = 0.026) and had a higher prevalence of advanced Stage 4 TR lesions (p = 0.018). There was no significant difference between two groups of cats in sex distribution, diet type or wet food consumption. CGS occurred more often in non-brachycephalic cats (57.9% vs. 21.2%, p < 0.001) but was not associated with TR severity. In both skull groups, mandibular premolars and molars were most commonly affected (p < 0.01). Cats with owner-reported premium diets had more Stage 4 lesions (p = 0.013), particularly in non-brachycephalic cats but not in brachycephalic cats. These findings suggest that TR severity is associated with younger age and advanced lesions in brachycephalic breeds, as well as diet-related differences in non-brachycephalic cats. Further studies are warranted to evaluate early dental screening and targeted nutritional strategies to mitigate the progression of tooth resorption in cats.