Trouble eating

Stella, 8 yrs old has been on Science Diet r/d. the pellets are very small. I notice lately she's tilting her head as if deciding which side to chew on. Sometimes she drops a few then picks them up, and sometimes gets them "stuck" on her tongue.
   
I've looked at her teeth and they look ok to me.
   
I notice this formula has no hairball help in it, and at least every other week she spits up liquid or a small hairball.
   
Does this sound like a dental issue ? I'm very cash strapped right now & my vet charges $56 a visit & $155 for xrays.
   
Any advice?
   
Thanks...

unfortunatly it sounds like it is hurting her to eat and an abcessed tooth or gum disease is not always noticable at first. You will have to have a dental done. Start saving up. good luck