Causes
The cause is not fully understood. It is very common: a large proportion of adult cats develop it. It is not linked to tartar alone.
Diagnosis
Examination of the mouth + dental X-rays, essential to see the lesions below the gum line and decide on treatment.
Treatment
The treatment is extraction of the affected tooth: once resorption has begun it cannot be reversed and the tooth is painful. After extraction, the cat improves greatly.
Prevention
Not preventable, but regular dental check-ups allow it to be detected and treated before the cat suffers for a long time.

