You might be accustomed to your cat’s breath smelling faintly of their last meal, but how much do you truly know about your feline friend’s teeth? Delving into the world inside your cat’s mouth is essential for every pet owner. Staying informed about your kitty’s dental health is not just about fresh breath; it’s crucial for their overall well-being and longevity.
Proactive dental care is the best approach. To help you understand your cat’s oral hygiene needs, we’ve compiled nine fascinating facts about Cat Teeth, offering valuable insights into maintaining your cat’s healthy smile.
1. Cats and Humans Share a Dental Trait: Diphyodonty
While cat teeth and human teeth appear quite different, we share a common dental characteristic. Both humans and cats are diphyodont, meaning we develop two sets of teeth throughout our lives.
The first set, known as deciduous or baby teeth, are temporary. They eventually fall out to make way for a permanent set. However, the timeline for this dental transition is much faster in cats than in humans.
According to Dr. Dan Carmichael, a board-certified veterinary dentist at NYC’s Animal Medical Center, “Cats are born without teeth, but their baby teeth begin to emerge around 2 weeks of age. These baby teeth then start to fall out at approximately 3 months, paving the way for their permanent teeth.” With proper care, a cat’s permanent teeth are designed to last a lifetime.
BONUS FACT:
Cats possess 26 baby teeth and 30 permanent teeth. In comparison, humans have 20 baby teeth and 32 permanent teeth, while dogs have 28 baby teeth and 42 permanent teeth. The slightly fewer permanent teeth in cats compared to humans and dogs is a notable distinction in feline dental anatomy.
2. Cat Teeth: Evolutionarily Designed for Hunting
“The shape of cat teeth crowns is a direct reflection of their carnivorous nature,” explains Dr. Alexander Reiter, a dentistry and oral surgery expert at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. A cat’s teeth are perfectly engineered for a carnivore’s lifestyle, designed for efficiently shearing and tearing through prey, much like their wild cat relatives.
Those prominent canine teeth, often referred to as fangs, are specifically adapted for puncturing and gripping prey. This biological design is why a cat bite can be particularly painful, as these teeth are built for inflicting precise and effective wounds when hunting.
3. Incisors: Tiny Teeth with Important Roles
A cat’s incisors, the small teeth situated between the canines at the front of their mouth, may seem insignificant for hunting, but they play crucial roles in a cat’s daily life. These tiny teeth are perfectly suited for grooming and manipulating objects. Dr. Carmichael points out, “Incisors are very useful for tasks requiring nibbling or delicate handling.”
Dr. Reiter further elaborates that cats utilize their incisors for grooming activities like chewing on their claws to remove loose nail fragments and even for scratching itches in hard-to-reach places. These small but mighty teeth contribute significantly to feline hygiene and dexterity.
4. Feline Teeth and Cavity Resistance
Cats are remarkably resistant to developing dental cavities in the same way humans do, known as dental caries. This resistance is partly attributed to the unique shape of their teeth.
Dr. Reiter explains, “Unlike humans and dogs, cats lack occlusal tables – the flat, grinding surfaces on molars. Consequently, they do not typically develop true carious lesions.” The bacteria responsible for causing caries in humans thrive in the pits and fissures found on occlusal tables, which are designed for grinding plant-based foods.
The combination of feline tooth shape and their predominantly meat-based diet makes cavities exceptionally rare in domestic cats. Historical records show cavities reported only in a 13th-century cat fossil, emphasizing how unusual cavities are in felines.
5. Other Feline Dental Issues: Beyond Cavities
While cavities are uncommon, cats are susceptible to other significant dental problems. Like humans, they can develop periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, which weakens the structures supporting their teeth. Cats are also prone to severe oral inflammation, such as gingivostomatitis, and oral cancer.
Another condition prevalent in cats is tooth resorption. Dr. Carmichael describes tooth resorption as “a process where the structures within a tooth are resorbed and gradually replaced by bone-like material. This condition can be quite painful for cats.”
Tooth resorption can be challenging to detect, with symptoms varying from visible holes in the tooth to subtle red spots along the gum line. Veterinary diagnosis often leads to a recommendation for tooth extraction to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
6. Cats: Masters of Disguising Dental Pain
“Cats are experts at concealing pain,” Dr. Carmichael emphasizes. “The most common sign of dental issues in cats that I observe is actually the absence of any noticeable symptoms. It’s crucial for pet owners and veterinarians to be vigilant about feline dental health and proactively look for potential problems.”
This vigilance includes observing for subtle signs like excessive drooling, red or inflamed gums, and changes in eating habits. Paying attention to a cat’s breath is also important.
“Dental health problems frequently manifest with a distinct, foul odor,” Dr. Carmichael notes. “Often, it’s a very fishy, rotten smell that can indicate an underlying issue requiring attention.” Any unusual or persistent bad breath should be investigated as a potential sign of dental disease.
7. Life After Tooth Extraction: Cats Can Thrive
If your cat receives a diagnosis requiring tooth extraction, there’s no need for excessive worry. Cats adapt remarkably well to tooth loss. They can comfortably eat wet food and often even dry kibble, even with significant tooth extractions or complete toothlessness, and continue to live long, healthy lives.
Dr. Carmichael reassures, “Having a healthy, pain-free mouth is far more critical than having a full set of teeth.” In fact, teeth recommended for extraction are often sources of pain for your cat. Removing them significantly improves their comfort and overall quality of life.
8. Proactive Dental Care: Regular Visits and Brushing
Both Dr. Reiter and Dr. Carmichael strongly advocate for daily tooth brushing for cats. Regular brushing is a cornerstone of preventative dental care, effectively minimizing the buildup of bacteria that leads to many dental diseases.
While brushing a cat’s teeth might seem daunting, many cats can be trained to accept and even tolerate it with patience and positive reinforcement. Starting dental hygiene early in kittenhood is beneficial, and consistency between professional veterinary cleanings is key to maintaining oral health.
“Cat owners should always ensure a thorough oral examination is part of their cat’s annual wellness checkups,” Dr. Reiter advises. These routine examinations by a veterinarian are crucial for early detection and management of dental issues.
9. VOHC Seal: Your Guide to Trusted Dental Products
For cat owners seeking reliable information and effective products for feline dental care, the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) website is an invaluable resource.
“Any product bearing the VOHC seal has undergone rigorous scientific evaluation and meets stringent standards for efficacy,” Dr. Carmichael states.
VOHC-approved products encompass a wide range of options, from water additives and dental treats to specially formulated dental kibble. Exploring these VOHC-approved products ensures you are choosing options that are proven to be beneficial for your cat’s dental health.
By: Kate Hughes
Featured Image: iStock.com/byakkaya
