How many sets of teeth do cats have?
As in humans, cats have two sets of teeth. Kittens have 26 deciduous teeth, also known as primary, baby, or milk teeth. Adult cats have 30 permanent teeth.
When do kittens get their deciduous teeth?
Kittens are born without any visible teeth. The deciduous teeth start erupting through the gums around three weeks of age and are normally finished erupting by 6 to 8 weeks of age. A healthy mouth depends on healthy teeth. The ideal time to begin brushing a kitten’s teeth is when you first bring them home, before the discomfort of teething begins. During the brief period when the baby teeth are falling out and the permanent teeth are erupting, it is recommended that you take a break from brushing. Your veterinary health care team can help you determine the best products and methods of dental care for your kitten.
When do kittens get their permanent teeth?
The teething process is relatively rapid in kittens. Teething begins in kittens at about 10 weeks to 6 months of age, when the deciduous incisors begin to be replaced by permanent incisors. By the age of 6–7 months, most kittens will have all 30 adult teeth.
What happens during teething?
Long before adult teeth erupt through the gums, they begin developing from tooth buds located in the upper and lower jaws. As the adult teeth develop, they begin to move through the bone and erupt through the gums. Ideally, the baby tooth associated with that permanent tooth falls out. You may even find these hollow shells of the baby teeth on the floor or in your kitten’s bedding, but often the teeth will fall out while the kitten is eating, and they will swallow them with the rest of their food.
The teething process can be a time of discomfort and your kitten may drool, be reluctant to eat at times, and may be irritable due to a tender mouth. Almost all kittens will have the urge to chew when they are teething. It is important that you do what you can to direct your kitten’s chewing toward acceptable and safe objects. Avoid giving your kitten hard objects that could damage their teeth.
You may also notice a characteristic breath odor (kitten breath), which is associated with teething. This odor is normal and will last as long as the kitten is teething.
What is a persistent tooth?
Fig. 1: Cat's mouth showing persistent deciduous teeth.A deciduous tooth that is still present when the permanent tooth erupts is referred to as a persistent tooth. When this happens, the baby tooth occupies the place in the mouth that is meant for the permanent tooth, forcing the permanent tooth to erupt at an abnormal angle or in an abnormal position. The result is crowding or malposition of the tooth, causing an abnormal bite (malocclusion).
Which deciduous teeth are more likely to be persistent?
The most common persistent teeth are the upper canines, followed by the lower canines, and then the incisors. However, in some cases, the premolar teeth may also be retained.
What problems are caused by persistent teeth?
If both a deciduous tooth and a permanent tooth are in the same socket in the jaw, the crowding of the two teeth will increase the likelihood that food and debris will become trapped between the teeth. This can lead to problems such as tartar deposits, tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis – all of which can lead to premature loss of teeth. If the root of the retained tooth has only been partly resorbed, it can become badly infected.
"If teeth are malpositioned, they can rub against other teeth, wearing away the enamel and weakening the tooth."
If teeth are malpositioned, they can rub against other teeth, wearing away the enamel and weakening the tooth. Occasionally, a persistent deciduous tooth can cause a dental interlock which may interfere with the normal growth and development of the jaw bones.
If the persistent tooth is a lower canine, the permanent lower canine is forced to grow on the inside of the lower jaw and its tip usually grows towards the roof of the mouth. Contact of the canine teeth with the roof of the mouth may result in significant trauma, pain, and may interfere with your cat’s ability to eat comfortably.
When and how are persistent teeth treated?
No two teeth should be in the same socket at the same time. If you notice a persistent tooth in your kitten's mouth, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Unless the baby tooth is very mobile, extraction is the treatment of choice.
"Early extraction in these cases will usually allow the adult teeth to move into their proper positions and prevent further malocclusion problems."
Early extraction in these cases will usually allow the adult teeth to move into their proper positions and prevent further malocclusion problems. It is not recommended to wait until your kitten is neutered or spayed. Extraction of the persistent tooth requires general anesthesia, along with intraoral X-rays (radiographs) before and after the extraction. Your veterinarian will take special care during the extraction to avoid damaging the immature roots of the new permanent tooth.
What happens if there is a delay before the persistent tooth is extracted?
If the persistent deciduous tooth is not extracted in a timely manner, it is unlikely the adult teeth will be able to move into their proper positions without orthodontic treatment. In these cases, or for kittens with severe malocclusion problems, it may be necessary to selectively extract other teeth or refer your cat to a veterinary dental specialist (avdc.org) for orthodontic treatment to reposition the teeth. This treatment often includes the use of orthodontic devices. See handout "Orthodontics (Moving Teeth) in Cats” for more information.
Is there anything else I should know?
In addition to regular tooth brushing, it is important to check your kitten's mouth every week until about seven to eight months of age to ensure that the teeth are growing normally and in the appropriate position. If you notice any persistent deciduous teeth, or if you suspect your kitten has an abnormal bite, take them to your family veterinarian immediately for an oral examination.
