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Cat Teeth

"Cat teeth require brushing and annual cleaning. Common problems include plaque and gingivitis formation that can lead to other problems such as lesions."

Dental care in cats is similar to dental care in humans and is just as important. Over 70% of cats show some form of dental disease by age 3.

Like humans, cats have two sets of teeth in their lives. They have 26 baby teeth, which they begin to lose and replace with adult teeth from 11 to 30 weeks of age. During this time their mouths may be sore and they may eat less. Adult cats have 30 teeth.

There are six incisors on the top jaw and six on the bottom jaw. These are used to nibble shreds of meat from bones and also for grooming.

There are two canine teeth on the top jaw and two on the bottom. These are the �fangs.� They are used to hold objects in the cat�s mouth and to defend themselves when necessary.

Then there are ten premolars and four molars, which work together to cut food.

Cat Health Teeth

Here are some tips for helping your cat maintain healthy cat teeth:

1. Feed your cat hard kibble. Soft foods can leave debris in gum pockets at the base of the tooth, which can lead to infections, so keep soft foods to a minimum. Limit the amount of table scraps and sweets you give to your cat.

2. Hard kibble also helps to remove plaque from your cat�s teeth.

3. Brush your cat�s teeth. You can buy a special toothbrush and toothpaste for this purpose. It is generally recommended that yo brush your cat�s teeth several times a week. This is a good time for you to check your cat�s teeth and mouth for any problems.

4. Have your cat�s teeth and mouth examined by the veterinarian yearly. That way any problems can be identified and treated. If too much tartar builds up on the teeth, it may need to be removed under anesthesia.

5. Consider a dietary supplement that is made to promote the health of feline teeth and gums and naturally prevent gingivitis. PetAlive Gums-n-Teeth is made for this purpose.

Cat Teeth Problems

Feline Plaque, Tartar, Calculus and Gingivitis

Cat dental problems start with plaque (a bacteria) formation on th teeth. If left alone the bacteria die and combine with the saliva in the mouth to form calculus (also called tartar). This tartar then progresses causing inflamed gums, a condition called gingivitis. This can cause bleeding gums and swelling.

The tartar also forms below the gum line causing an infection at the root of the teeth destroying healthy tissue and causing a tooth to loosen and possibly fall out.

Feline Ondoclastic Resorptive Lesion (FORL)

Almost 75% of cats over the age of 5 get lesions in the mouth that also go by the names cavities, neck lesions, external or internal root resorptions, and cervical line erosions. The cause of this condition is not exactly known.

Symptoms of this condition include more salivation than usual, oral bleeding, or difficulty eating. Some cats show no symptoms while others have a jaw spasm when touched and show signs of significant pain.

Picture of Cat Lesion

FORL Cat Mouth Lesion

Cat Teeth Symptoms

Like humans, cats can have dental problems, such as tooth decay, losing teeth and gum disease. It is important to help your pet maintain healthy cat teeth.

Symptoms of problems with cat teeth include:

* Bad breath
* Yellow or brown deposits on the teeth at the edges of the gums
* Reddened gum edges
* Receding gums, revealing exposed tooth roots
* Drooling saliva (may be tinged with blood)
* Lack of appetite
* Difficulty chewing food
* Mouth pain (pawing at mouth, rubbing side of mouth along the ground, or keeping mouth open all the time)

If your cat shows symptoms of problems with her teeth, she should see your veterinarian for a dental veterinarian for treatment.

Sources

Dentalvet

AVMA

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