Do you know when cats change their teeth? How often do you need to brush your cat's teeth? Or how soon do kittens' teeth grow? Although feline dentition is overlooked by some guardians, the region is one of the most important parts of our kittens. The cat's teeth play a fundamental role in feeding and even influence the pet's behavior. With the teeth ofFor this reason, the oral health of cats needs special care so that their teeth remain healthy and capable of performing the functions that shape their lives.

Do cats change their teeth? Learn more about feline dentition

Yes, cats change their teeth! The teething cycle of cats, contrary to what many guardians think, is very similar to that of humans. That is: the cat has milk teeth that, after a while, give way to permanent ones. However, in the cat, tooth change tends to happen in faster stages than ours. We can divide it as follows:

• Milk teeth: from the second or third week of life, cats have milk teeth starting to emerge, usually the incisors.

• Canine teeth: it is already possible to notice the teeth of canine cats growing from the fourth or fifth week.

• Complete kitten teeth: By the end of the sixth week, the kitten will have 26 temporary cat teeth. They are small, thin and very sharp. At this stage, felines do not have molar teeth, so a kitten has fewer teeth than an adult cat.

• Cat changes teeth: Between the third and seventh month of life, cats change their teeth. The milk teeth fall out to make way for the 30 permanent teeth. Because it is a quick process, the guardian often does not even realize that his kitten is going through that moment - except when he finds a milk tooth fallen on the floor of the house.

What are the symptoms of a cat changing teeth? Does the kitten changing teeth feel pain?

When cats change their teeth, they may feel a lot of discomfort, so this process deserves a little more attention. When the cat loses a tooth, it is possible that it feels pain and itching in the gums. This results in the habit of biting everything in sight in an attempt to relieve the discomfort. During this period that the cat changes teeth, the ideal is to invest in a non-toxic toyor a specific bite to direct behavior and prevent infection or injury to the area. This helps ensure your pet's well-being and safety.

In addition, when cats change their teeth, it is possible to notice gingivitis and bad breath. In this case, there is no need to despair as this is common. In addition to these signs, the kitten may become more reserved, stressed and without appetite. Therefore, it is important to observe it and seek help from a veterinarian if the symptoms worsen.

How many teeth does a cat have?

One of the main questions first-time cat owners - and even the more experienced ones - have is how many teeth a cat has. To the surprise of some, the cat's dentition has different types of teeth that perform certain functions. Thus, an adult cat has 30 teeth divided between incisors, canines, premolars and molars. Find out below the difference between them:

• In the cat's dentition, there are twelve incisor teeth divided equally into the lower and upper part of the mouth. Lance-shaped, the incisor cat teeth have the function of "tearing" food - the ancestors of cats used these elements to trap prey and remove meat from bones. On the other hand, domestic cats use the incisors to chew food such as meat;

• Also positioned at the front of the dentition, cats have four canine teeth - With a larger and more pointed anatomy than the incisors, the canine teeth are responsible for drilling and grinding food. It is also with the canines that the kittens hold and bite objects that require more force, such as toys, cardboard boxes and others;

• Right after the canines come the premolar teeth These cat teeth are usually larger and sharper, so they have a larger cutting surface, making it easier to chew and grind food;

• Finally, at the back of the mouth, are the molar teeth In charge of breaking down cat food before chewing, these cat teeth account for two molars at the top and two at the bottom.

Cat's teeth can reveal the age of the kitty

When adopting a cat, it is not always possible to have the exact information of when the kitty was born. Checking the teeth of cats is one of the most common and easiest ways to find out how old the feline is, just like in dogs. This is because the characteristics of the teeth change at each stage of your mustachioed one's life. In the first months of life, for example, milk cat teeth tend to be very old.Between one and two years of age, all the cat's permanent teeth can be seen, including the molars, which are white and have rounded edges.

From the third year of life of cats, teeth tend to have a more yellowish color and minor wear, which tends to become more evident over the years. Already after 7 years of age, when the cat enters old age, it is normal for cats' teeth to have more worn edges and rounder canines. Although this stage of life is associated with the loss of the teeth, it is also normal for the teeth to be more rounded.cat's teeth, this can vary according to the oral health care the animal has received throughout its life.

Cat loses teeth as an adult?

Adult cat teeth do not usually fall out easily. When a cat loses teeth as an adult, it is probably related to some oral health problem. Periodontal disease, for example, is one of those that can lead to this condition when not properly treated. The accumulation of tartar in the cat's dentition is one of the main causes that lead to this problem. The dirt plaquesaccumulated throughout the pet's life cause bad breath and darken teeth.

The cat may also develop gingivitis (reddening of the area) which can develop into periodontal disease, infecting and destroying the structures around the tooth. When left untreated, there is a possibility of cat teeth falling out. In more severe cases, cat tooth disease can reach the bloodstream and reach other organs, causing complications to your cat's health.Friend. Periodontal disease affects today, to varying degrees, more than 70% of felines over 3 years of age. To prevent this from happening to your pet, oral hygiene is essential.

Proper nutrition helps to maintain healthy cat teeth

You may have heard that your kitty's diet directly interferes with his health, right? This includes the health of the cat's teeth. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is able to contribute not only to the development but also to the oral hygiene of the animal. Therefore, it is important to avoid foods not suitable for cats, especially sweets. They can harm the cat's teeth.cat's tooth health, as they contribute to tartar buildup, as well as affecting the animal's general well-being.

In addition, you need to make sure that the food you offer your cat corresponds to its stage of life. Cats' teeth - like the rest of their bodies - need specific components to stay strong and healthy. Kitten food, for example, offers a higher amount of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, which are responsible for tooth formation. Cats in this stage of lifeTo keep your cat's teeth clean and healthy, treats are also a welcome addition to their diet. And they'll cheer up your kitty too!

Brushing your cat's teeth frequently prevents discomfort and disease

Brushing your cat's teeth is another care that should be part of your kitty's routine. Just like humans, felines can also accumulate dirt and food debris that favor the proliferation of bacteria. This causes the emergence of infections, which when left untreated can result in more serious conditions. The simple habit of brushing your cat's teeth is one of the main ways to prevent the spread of bacteria.to ensure quality of life for your pet - especially the elderly cat - by avoiding common dental problems in felines, such as tooth resorption. Similar to caries, the disease causes pain and inflammation in the gums.

Cat tooth destruction can happen in more severe cases, just like in periodontal disease. Often, the condition goes unnoticed and is only diagnosed at an advanced stage with an intraoral radiograph. Visiting a veterinary dentist at least once a year is essential in the care of feline dentition. Continuous evaluation helps to keep track of oral health. If the pet starts toIf your cat has teeth problems, your vet may prescribe some special treatments. Tartar cleaning, for example, is a great measure to prevent serious problems with your cat's teeth.

How to brush cats' teeth?

Brushing a cat's teeth is an easier task than many owners think. First of all, you need to create a calm and peaceful environment for the cat. A stressed cat will hardly allow you to touch its mouth. You need to provide a cat toothpaste and a brush suitable for pets. Before inserting the cat toothbrush into its mouth, let it smell and even touch it.lick a little of the paste to taste it. At this point, it is worth investing in a cuddle so that your friend associates brushing with something pleasurable.

Start by running the brush across your cat's teeth in a circular motion, brushing the incisors and moving on to the back. At first, it's likely that you won't be able to clean all of your cat's teeth in the best possible way, but don't worry: your kitty will need some time to get used to the process. The frequency of brushing your cat's teeth can be established with the cat's health care provider.veterinarian, but ideally it should happen at least three times a week.

Originally published on: 28/08/2020

Updated on: 25/08/2021