고양이 이갈기(이악물기) 자주 묻는 질문 Q&A — 보호자가 꼭 알아야 할 핵심

Cat Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) FAQ — Key Information Every Pet Owner Should Know

Oral HealthQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Teeth grinding in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, pain, and neurological disorders. Here’s a summary of the key information every pet owner should know.

What Is Cat Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?

A close-up shot of a cat's face with its teeth clenched.

Teeth grinding in cats, also known as bruxism, involves forcefully clenching or grinding the teeth and can stem from various causes such as pain, stress, or neurological disorders. While it may be a temporary reaction, repeated episodes can lead to tooth damage or oral injuries. This behavior is especially common in cats experiencing oral pain or those sensitive to environmental changes. Owners should not ignore this behavior and instead monitor it regularly. Keeping track of the frequency and intensity of the grinding can greatly assist during consultations with a veterinarian. It’s important to recognize that this behavior may not just be a habit—it could signal an underlying physical or emotional issue.

What Are the Main Causes of Teeth Grinding?

- Dental and oral pain: Your cat may clench its teeth to relieve pain caused by oral conditions such as periodontal disease (gingivitis), tooth resorption lesions, or stomatitis. Dental caries are relatively rare in cats, making these conditions more common. - Stress response: Psychological anxiety triggered by environmental changes, noise, or conflicts with other animals can be a contributing factor. - Neurological and pain syndromes: Repetitive, unconscious mouth movements may occur due to neurological or pain-related issues that are not yet fully understood, such as feline orofacial pain syndrome or hypersensitivity syndrome. - Oral signs of systemic or gastrointestinal disease: Hepatobiliary diseases can cause drooling (ptyalism), while kidney disease or viral infections may be accompanied by oral ulcers. However, cats often do not show obvious signs of abdominal pain. - Behavioral habits: A behavior that started as play or curiosity may become habitual through repetition. A professional veterinary diagnosis is necessary to determine the exact cause.

A cat staring out the window with a tense expression

5 Main Causes Associated with Teeth Grinding

Dental and oral pain: Your cat may be clenching its teeth to cope with pain caused by oral conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth resorption lesions, or stomatitis. These issues are more common in cats than cavities.

Stress response: This can be a psychological reaction triggered by environmental changes, loud noises, or conflicts with other animals.

Neurological and pain syndromes: Unconscious mouth movements may occur due to less well-known neurological or pain-related conditions, such as feline facial pain syndrome or hypersensitivity syndrome.

Oral signs of systemic disease: Systemic illnesses can lead to oral discomfort, such as drooling associated with hepatobiliary disease or oral ulcers accompanying kidney or viral diseases.

Advanced dental disease: Untreated periodontal disease or tooth resorption lesions are common causes of oral pain in cats.

Upon closer inspection, the cat appears to be slightly clenching its jaw.

When to Visit the Vet Immediately

If your pet repeatedly grinds their teeth, shows a decreased appetite, loses weight, develops worse bad breath, or produces saliva mixed with blood, consult a veterinarian immediately. These symptoms may indicate serious dental disease or an underlying internal condition.

What the Veterinarian Checks for Teeth Grinding Diagnosis

- Review medical history: Ask detailed questions about the frequency, timing, and any environmental changes associated with your cat’s teeth grinding. - Behavioral observation: Record daily behavior patterns to analyze the type and intensity of the grinding. - Oral examination: Directly inspect the teeth for condition, gum redness, and any abnormalities in saliva production. - Imaging diagnostics: Use X-rays or CT scans to precisely check for damage to the tooth roots and bones. - Blood tests: Evaluate for internal diseases, inflammation, or hormonal imbalances. The veterinarian will synthesize the results from these various tests to identify the cause and develop a tailored treatment plan.

How to Handle Teeth Grinding and Treatment Steps

Environmental stabilization: Provide a quiet space and maintain a consistent daily routine to reduce stress.

Pain management: If the issue is dental, administer pain relievers or treatments prescribed by a veterinarian.

Behavioral modification: Remove the source of stress and alleviate reactions through positive training.

Medication: In cases of neurological issues, anticonvulsants or antidepressants may be used.

Surgical intervention: If dental damage is severe, tooth extraction or other surgical procedures may be necessary.

Management Tips You Can Do at Home

Maintain a stable environment: Create a space where your cat feels confident and secure.

Provide appropriate play: Offer puzzle toys or dedicated playtime to help relieve stress.

Dietary adjustments: Choose soft food to reduce digestive burden and select options that support dental health.

Regular oral care: Use veterinarian-recommended toothbrushes or toothpaste to maintain your cat’s teeth.

Behavioral tracking: Record the timing, context, and frequency of teeth grinding to help identify the underlying cause.

Precautions

If left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to serious oral health issues such as tooth fractures, gum damage, and infections. Additionally, if the underlying cause is an internal disease, early treatment can significantly impact survival rates.

Comparison of Responses by Cause of Teeth Grinding

Item	Main Symptoms	Response	Treatment Expectation
Dental/oral pain	Teeth clenching, increased drooling, chewing on only one side	Oral examination under anesthesia, dental treatment	Veterinarian-prescribed analgesics (NSAIDs, etc.)
Stress response	Occurs after environmental changes, anxious behavior	Environmental stabilization, trigger management, training	Behavioral modification and environmental enrichment
Neurologic/pain syndrome	Involuntary repetition, hypersensitive reactions	Neurologic evaluation, medication therapy	Long-term management required
Systemic/gastrointestinal disease	Drooling, decreased appetite, oral ulcers (abdominal pain may not be evident in cats)	Blood tests, systemic evaluation	Improvement after treating the underlying disease

Identifying the cause is the key to treatment. Proceed with diagnosis together with your veterinarian.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is teeth grinding common in cats?

Occasional teeth grinding is common, but if it becomes frequent or severe, it could indicate a problem. Pet owners should keep a close eye on their pets.

Can teeth grinding damage the teeth?

Yes, repetitive teeth grinding can lead to damage to the tooth surface, cracks, and even tooth loss. Immediate action is necessary.

What home care options are available to help relieve bruxism?

Providing a quiet environment, engaging in regular play, maintaining oral hygiene, and keeping a behavior log are all important for reducing stressors.

Is medication necessary for treating bruxism?

If the cause is pain or a neurological condition, your veterinarian may prescribe medication. Never administer any drugs on your own without professional guidance.

Is there a connection between a cat's age and its tendency to grind its teeth?

Older cats are more prone to teeth grinding caused by dental issues or neurological conditions, so regular check-ups are essential.

Top Recommended Products and Selection Criteria for Preventing Tartar and Plaque in Dogs

Top 5 Recommended Pet Tartar Control Products for 2026

Top Recommended Products for Managing Canine Oral Fungal Infections and Selection Criteria

Cat Ureteral Bypass Surgery (SUB) FAQ — Key Information Every Pet Owner Should Know

Frequently Asked Questions About Feline Struvite Stones — Key Information for Pet Owners

Feline Stress-Induced Cystitis Management FAQ — Key Points Pet Owners Must Know

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Chronic Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Cats — Key Information Every Pet Owner Must Know

Frequently Asked Questions About Feline Pyelonephritis — Key Information for Pet Owners

Frequently Asked Questions About Proteinuria in Cats — Key Information Every Pet Owner Should Know

Frequently Asked Questions About Feline Frequent and Urgent Urination — Key Points for Pet Owners

References

[1] AAFP (2024) '2024 AAFP indoor/outdoor lifestyle position statement'. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 26(2). doi:10.1177/1098612x241227827.

[2] Buffington, C.A.T. (2023) Feline medicine pandora syndrome in cats: Diagnosis and treatment. Today’s Veterinary Practice. Available at: https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/urology-renal-medicine/pandora-syndrome-in-cats/

[3] The Cat, Clinical Medicine and Management, 2nd Edition. Elsevier, 2023.