Cat’s teeth and dental care

It is essential to have your cat's teeth checked regularly by a veterinarian because dental and oral issues in cats may only show symptoms when the situation is already bad. In this article, we answer the most common questions about cat's teeth and dental care.

At what age do cat’s teeth change? 

A kitten's deciduous teeth, also known as primary, baby, or milk teeth usually change to permanent teeth before the age of 7 months. A cat has 26 deciduous teeth, and an adult cat has 30 teeth.

From the cat's teeth, you can tell that they are carnivorous predators – teeth are sharp pointed, which makes them best suited for cutting and tearing meat. Moreover, cat’s teeth do not have any flat chewing surfaces needed for grinding food.

 A cat is a carnivore that does not need vegetables in its diet. Learn more about a cat's natural diet.

How to take care of cat’s teeth?

Remember to regularly check your cat's mouth. The formation of dental plaque and tartar is individual, and some cats develop it more easily than others. When plaque hardens, it turns into a yellowish-grey layer on the tooth surface known as tartar, which must be removed regularly by a veterinarian.

Tartar exposes the gums to inflammation, also known as gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis in turn leads to inflammation of the tooth's attachment tissue, periodontitis. Periodontitis is a common oral issue in cats, causing the teeth to loosen and is treated by removing the damaged tooth.

Gingivitis can be identified by red and swollen gums, which may bleed. Gingivitis that progresses to the tooth root and then to the tooth bone can also spread elsewhere in the body. Therefore, maintenance of the mouth and cat's teeth is especially important for cats with underlying conditions such as heart defects or diabetes.

Is there a senior cat purring at your home? Check out seven common health issues in older cats to keep an eye on.

How to brush your cat’s teeth?

It is good to accustom a cat from a young age to teeth brushing and mouth examination. Daily teeth brushing helps prevent the accumulation of plaque and the formation of tartar, thus also reducing the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Brush your cat's teeth with a soft toothbrush designed for cats and a tasty toothpaste or just water. Do not use human toothpaste for cats, as they often contain substances like xylitol that are toxic to pets.

Plaque can also be reduced by other mechanical rubbing, such as chewing on chew toys. In addition, pharmacies and veterinary clinics sell various oral rinses and pastes that can help chemically reduce plaque. 

How to accustom a kitten to teeth brushing?

1. Touching the mouth: Get the kitten used to having its gums rubbed with your finger. Once this goes well, introduce the toothbrush.
2. Introducing toothbrush: You can use treats to help associate the toothbrush with a positive experience in the cat's mind. Initially, bring the toothbrush close to the cat's mouth and reward the cat every time it allows the brush to touch its mouth.
3. Brushing the cat’s teeth: Gradually open the cat's mouth and touch the toothbrush to the cat's teeth. Reward the cat every time it allows the toothbrush to touch its mouth. Reduce the rewards as the cat gets used to the touch and brushing of the toothbrush. Use circular, short movements when brushing the cat’s teeth.

Getting an adult cat used to having its teeth brushed, may require a great deal of patience if the cat was not taught as a kitten.

What other everyday skills should a cat have? Read our tips on cat training and learning everyday skills. 

PrimaCat's treat selection offers the most tempting cat treats for practising teeth brushing without added sugar. Explore the products!

How to know if a cat is suffering from dental pain?

A cat tries to hide pain for as long as possible. It is advisable to go to the veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms of dental pain in your cat: 

• Bad smelling breath.
• Drooling.
• The cat does not let you touch its mouth area.
• The cat tries to scratch its mouth and shakes its head.
•  Red and swollen gums.
• The cat's tooth is loose, and the teeth do not appear symmetrical.
• The cat's lower jaw trembles.
• Teeth grinding or clattering.
• The cat has difficulty eating or chews on one side, avoiding dry food.
• A painful oral inflammation, stomatitis, can cause so much pain in the cat's mouth and throat that the cat refuses to eat altogether.

Do you know what behavioural changes may be due to cat's pain? Read about recognising pain in cats.