Veterinarians from the Pet MD website have put together a guide clarifying when your cat’s tooth loss is normal and when you need to visit the vet.
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Do kittens have milk teeth?
Like humans and all other domestic animals, cats go through two sets of teeth in their lifetime – milk teeth and permanent teeth.
At just a few weeks old, kittens will begin to get their milk teeth.
The incisors – the small front teeth – are the first to erupt, between two and four weeks of age. The premolars – larger teeth towards the back of the mouth – are the last to appear, between five to six weeks, totaling 26 milk teeth.
When do they start to fall out?
Between four and seven months old, permanent (adult) teeth will begin to replace the milk teeth.
You might never see the teeth when your kitten loses them, as they often “disappear” during meals or while the kitties are playing.
Well before their first birthday, your growing kitten should have 30 permanent teeth. Except for injuries or oral diseases, this dentition should keep your kitten chewing into old age.
Can there be issues with milk teeth?
The most common dental issue in kittens is the retention of milk teeth.
If the kitten’s teeth aren’t lost when the corresponding permanent ones are coming in, this can result in an abnormal bite position, accumulation of tartar and plaque, and even abscesses.
But there are typically no complications if retained milk teeth are immediately removed by a vet.
Is it normal for adult cats to lose teeth?
No. In adult cats, diseases can increase tooth loss. This can be due to serious problems.
Although cats don’t develop cavities like humans, this doesn’t exempt them from dental diseases and tooth loss.
In fact, some degree of oral diseases affects two-thirds of cats over 3 years old. Not all tooth loss is caused by these diseases, and not all dental diseases result in loss.
Like humans, cats accumulate bacterial plaque on the surface of their teeth. If not quickly removed, it mineralizes to form tartar and calculus.
If dental disease is detected in an early stage, a complete dental cleaning and polishing can save most of your cat’s teeth.
However, if gingivitis persists without treatment, irreversible damage to the bone and ligaments that support the tooth will lead to excessive mobility and eventual tooth loss.
If you notice that your adult cat is experiencing loss or you find an adult cat’s tooth in your home, seek veterinary care as this is a significant sign of a dental disease that may be painful.
And cats are masters at hiding their pain…
