Cat Teeth 101: Everything You Need To know About Your Feline’s Smile From A kitten To An Adult.

Cats, our feline companions have two sets of teeth in their lifetime, just like humans. Ever wondered about those tiny, sharp, wonder tools of nature. Difference between adult and kitten teeth and their dental care. Here’s everything you need to know about your cat’s teeth.

Kittens (baby cats) are born with no teeths, at around age of 2 or 4 weeks, their baby teeth (deciduous teeth) start to emerge, 26 baby teeth get in their place by the time they reach 5 to 8 weeks of age.

Around 11 to 12 weeks of age, kitten’s teeth would begin to fall out, making way for the permanent adult teeth. Adult cats have 30 permanent teeth and around the age of 6 to 7 months, the complete set of teeth would be grown. Each subset of teeth like incisors, canines, premolars and molars, all serve their specific functions like gripping, tearing and grinding food.

Just like human babies, kittens also go through the teething process. During the teething time kittens often drool more, start chewing everything (objects, toys, etc) and even become irritable due to sore gums. We can help them by providing soft rubber toys or chilled toys to ease their sore gums. They sometimes even swallow their fallen out teeth which is harmless and normal.

1. Get them used to being touched in their gums and mouth, to prepare them for future brushing.

2. While teething provide them a soft, safe and chewable toys to soothe their gums during teething.

3. Confirm all baby teeth come out properly to prevent future dental problems. Consult a vet to ensure.

1. Brush regularly your cat’s teeth few times a week with cat specific toothpaste for maintaining healthy teeth.

2. Use few dental treats designed to help clean teeth while playing.

3. Professional Cleaning may help remove buildup tartar and thorough checkup for underlying diseases.

4. If your cat is drooling, having difficulty in eating, red gums, bad breath, contact your vet.

Your Cat is just like you when it comes to teeth. Knowing the dental journey and the transition phase of your cat's teeth helps you to support them, care for them and being with them. Regular brushing, dental checkups and dental treats is all you need for your Feline's perfect smile.

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1. Can bad dental health affect my cat's overall health?
   
   Yes, bacteria and infection from severe or infected gums can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body. Especially, vital organs like kidneys, liver, heart , etc, causing damage and illness. So, it is important to maintain good oral health for good overall health.
2. Is dry food better then wet food for keeping my cat's teeth clean?
   
   No, neither dry food nor wet food is an effective to clean your cat's teeth and gums. Balanced diet with regular brushing is a way to keep your cat's oral hygiene.
3. What is Feline Tooth Resorption?
   
   Feline Tooth Resorption is a common and extremely painful dental disease in cats. In this, the cat's own body begins to destroy and absorb its own teeth structure. It often starts below the gumline and can only be diagnosed with x-rays, in its early stages.