Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, is a common condition among Siamese cats. If you are a cat owner, you would have likely heard your Siamese cat grinding its teeth. However, as a pet parent, you must know that teeth grinding may be common, but it is not normal. When you hear or see your kitty grinding its teeth, know that something is just not right with your pet. Every time your feline friend grinds its teeth, you might hear the clicking or chattering sound. Moreover, you can also observe the behavior when your cat moves the jaw from side to side (instead of the usual up and down motion associated with chewing food).

While teeth grinding is quite common among Siamese cats, it should still be considered a symptom as it shows that something is not right with your cat. Siamese cats usually grind their teeth when in pain. Typically, the pain is associated with oral cavity conditions, such as gum disorder, stomatitis, and tooth fractures, due to which your feline friend may grind its teeth. However, other medical conditions may also cause your Siamese cat to grind its teeth. Fortunately, you can prevent your Siamese cat’s teeth grinding by seeking immediate medical assistance through pain management techniques and ensuring good physical and oral health.

In this post, we look at some of the reasons why your Siamese cat may grind its teeth. Moreover, we take an insight into some of the ways you can prevent the behavior in your feline friend, so you know that your pet is enjoying top-health and pain-free time with you and your family.

Why Does My Siamese Cat Grind Its Teeth – Identifying the Causes

There can be several reasons why your Siamese cat may grind its teeth. However, the behavior is often associated with pain. Moreover, pain related to oral cavity diseases is also one of the reasons why your Siamese cat grinds its teeth. Some of the oral cavity conditions that can lead to teeth grinding include misaligned teeth, inflammatory gum disease, mouth ulcers, fractures of the tooth, and stomatitis. Let’s take a closer look at each of the causes.  

Tooth Misalignment

Abnormal tooth alignment, also known as malocclusion, is one of the potential causes of tooth grinding. Typically, a young feline will have 26 baby teeth by the time it is six months old. However, as the kitten grows older, it develops 30 teeth. Malocclusion is a condition that arises when your cat’s top and bottom jaws do not fit together due to misalignment of the teeth. While the condition may develop at a younger age, it usually worsens over time as your cat grows into an adult.

As a result of misaligned teeth, it may be difficult for your Siamese cat to pick up and chew food. Moreover, misaligned teeth are more prone to plaque and tartar build-up and have an increased risk of infections in the oral cavity.

Misalignment of teeth is quite common among Siamese and Persian cats, which is one of the most leading causes why you may find your feline grinding its teeth.

Inflammatory Gum Disease

Medically known as gingivitis or periodontitis, inflammation of your Siamese cat’s gums is another leading cause of pain and associated teeth grinding. In the U.S. only, inflammatory gum diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, affect more than 70% of cats over the age of 3 years.

The condition develops when tartar and plaque build-up on your cat’s teeth. Eventually, the oral bacteria find their way towards the base of your cat’s teeth, which is attached to the gums leading to inflammation and redness. When addressed right in time, gingivitis is treatable, and the condition can be reversed; however, if left unaddressed, the problem may progress to an irreversible stage and can also lead to more severe infections and eventually loss of gums and bones.

If you notice your Siamese cat grinding its teeth, it’s a good idea to take a look around your feline’s oral cavity and check for signs of inflammation in your cat’s oral cavity.  

Mouth Ulcers

Another common cause of teeth grinding in your Siamese cat is mouth ulcers. Also known as canker sores, mouth ulcers may not always be painful. However, since they are open sores on the gums or tongue of your cat, they are often one of the most common sources of discomfort in cats.

It is important for cat owners to know that mouth ulcers can be a symptom of other medical conditions, such as feline herpes, systemic lupus, and uremic poisoning. Regardless of the cause of mouth ulcers, it is a discomforting condition for cats. Hence, mouth ulcers can be one of the causes why your Siamese cat may grind its teeth.

Fracture of the Tooth

Trauma that leads to tooth fracture is another oral cavity condition that can lead to pain and discomfort and results in teeth grinding. Siamese cats are particularly susceptible to the fracture of the upper tooth’s tip. Tooth fracture can be discomforting and painful for your feline as it affects your cat’s bite and causes your Siamese cat to grind its teeth.

Stomatitis

An oral cavity condition that’s particularly painful for Siamese cats is stomatitis and is one of the most common causes of teeth grinding. The condition is an autoimmune disorder in Siamese cats where the immune system overreacts when plaque is collected around the teeth. As a result, it leads to inflammation of the gums and other healthy tissues in the oral cavity, which eventually causes redness and thickening of the mouth tissues.

If left untreated, the condition can progress and may also affect the back of the throat and oral pharynx. Stomatitis is extremely painful and is one of the causes why your Siamese cat may grind its teeth.

Other Health Problems That May Lead to Teeth Grinding

While oral cavity conditions are a common cause of teeth grinding in cats, health problems outside the oral cavity can also lead to teeth grinding. Some of the other health conditions that can lead to teeth grinding include

• Inflammatory bowel disease,
• Pancreatitis,
• Cancer, and
• Gastrointestinal ulcers.

Moreover, your Siamese cat may also be grinding its teeth due to behavioral and mental health conditions.

How to Prevent Teeth Grinding in My Siamese Cat?

If you find your Siamese cat grinding its teeth for quite some time, its best to give attention to your feline so you can figure out the cause of teeth grinding. Once you know why your Siamese cat is grinding its teeth, you can take appropriate measures to rectify the problem. Moreover, you can also take steps to prevent the potential cause of teeth grinding.

Let’s look at some of the ways to help you solve the problem of Siamese cat’s teeth grinding. Moreover, you will also find out tips to prevent it.

Identifying the Cause of Teeth Grinding By Seeking Medical Assistance

Perhaps the first and most critical measure you need to take as soon as you notice your cat’s teeth grinding is seeking medical assistance. Make sure you schedule an appointment with your vet so you can identify which medical condition is causing your cat to grind its teeth. In most cases, oral cavity conditions are to blame for this behavior, but that’s not always the case. In some cases, other health conditions may be causing the pain, which leads to teeth grinding. Hence, identifying the cause is the first step when it comes to improving your Siamese cat’s teeth grinding.  

Pain Management and Addressing the Underlying Issue

Once your vet has identified that cause, next, you need to address the underlying issue. If your feline is suffering from pain due to inflammatory gum disease or mouth ulcers, make sure you work closely with your vet so you can address the cause of discomfort. The sooner you get the treatment, the better it is for your feline as they will start feeling better soon, which will likely reduce the teeth grinding.

The treatment plan includes pain management followed by preventive care so your cat can enjoy good health, which eventually reduces the risk of teeth grinding.  

Ensuring Good Physical and Oral Health with Lifestyle Changes

Once the underlying cause is addressed and the initial pain and discomfort have subsided, your vet may recommend a few lifestyle changes to ensure that your feline maintains excellent physical and oral health. Some of the measures that will help you prevent teeth grinding include the following.

• Spending enough time and giving attention to your Siamese cat so you can identify any potential change in their behavior well in time,
• Schedule regular visits to the vet as it helps in early diagnosis and treatment before the condition aggravates,
• Providing a balanced diet to your feline,
• Maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and frequent oral examinations,

Final Words

Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, is quite common among Siamese cats; however, it is not normal. Your Siamese cat may be grinding its teeth due to any oral or other health condition. By spending time with your feline and scheduling regular vet visits, you can identify the underlying cause of teeth grinding early and take appropriate measures to prevent your Siamese cat’s teeth grinding.