How Many Teeth Do Cats Have?

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Cat teeth are important for survival and daily life because they help cats hunt, tear meat, and eat easily. Their teeth are viewed not only as functional but also as indicators of their overall health.

Grooming is one function these teeth serve, along with defense because these teeth are also important for protecting themselves when it is necessary. This article explores the number of teeth cats have and explains how to care for their teeth to keep them healthy and strong.


Types of Cat Teeth

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Incisors

A cat's smallest teeth are its incisors, located at the front of its jaw. These teeth may look tiny and less intimidating than other teeth but they serve at least three important purposes in their daily lives.

Cats possess twelve incisors, six located on their upper jaw and six on their lower jaw and these teeth are perfectly adjusted to assist them with tasks requiring precision to make delicate work easy. These teeth may not look as sharp or strong as the canines, but their design is just right for delicate and intricate tasks.

Incisors mainly help animals groom themselves, which is an important part of their daily routine for keeping their fur clean and free from dirt. These teeth are important in the process of eating, as they aid in firmly grasping food items while they chew.

Canines

Canines, also known as fangs, are striking and prominent teeth in a cat's mouth that are known for their long, pointed shape. Cats have four canines in total, of which two are located in the upper jaw and two in the lower.

The sharp points of these teeth make them effective tools for catching and holding onto prey in the wild or during play in the home environment. The main role of the canines is to help cats with hunting, as they need to firmly hold onto and pierce the flesh.

They also act as a powerful weapon for protection when the cat feels threatened or is in danger. Canines are one of the most crucial and special traits of a cat's dental structure that helps them hunt and defend.

Premolars

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Premolars are the teeth behind a cat's canines; they are larger and wider than incisors or canines. A total of ten premolars are found in cats, four are located on the upper and six on the lower jaw.

These teeth have an important role in eating as they are especially important for tearing and grinding food into smaller pieces. Premolars, with their sharp edges, slice meat, which makes them superb for breaking down large pieces of food.

The sharp, grooved surfaces of the premolars act much like scissors, allowing cats to easily cut through tougher parts of meat or skin. Premolars contribute to the overall versatility of a cat’s tooth setup, assisting in various functions like eating.

Molars

Molars are the teeth located at the back of a cat's mouth. A total of only four molars are possessed by cats; two are situated on the upper jaw and two are located on the lower jaw. These molars are definitively the final set of teeth present in the feline mouth.

Because molars are wider and flatter than other teeth and they are specifically built for grinding and crushing food, cats do not use them as much as other animals that have more noticeable molars. Molars mainly break down tough food pieces left over after the canines and premolars tear and slice.

They are an important part of the dental structure which helps cats properly process food for digestion.

How Many Teeth Do Cats Have?

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Cats have a total of 30 teeth in their adult mouth, but this number is different when they are kittens. They go through a teething process when they first have baby teeth, which eventually fall out and are replaced by adult teeth as they grow older.

Kittens are born without teeth but start growing them by the time they are about 3 to 4 weeks old. These are temporary teeth that are eventually replaced by permanent adult teeth as they mature. They typically have 26 baby teeth that include incisors, canines, and premolars that start falling out when they are around 3 to 4 months old.

By the time they are around 6 months old, kittens will have their full set of permanent teeth, which includes 30 adult teeth. This process can vary as some cats might experience teething earlier or later, and the shedding of baby teeth might not always be as noticeable since kittens often swallow their baby teeth.

Development of Cat Teeth

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Newborn kittens have no teeth and their first teeth appear at about two to three weeks old. This initial batch is known as baby teeth, which are temporary and will eventually fall out. A full set of twenty-six deciduous teeth is typically possessed by most kittens at approximately eight weeks of age.

These baby teeth are necessary for their early development because they ease grooming, biting, as well as interacting with their environment. Between three and four months of age, kittens start losing their baby teeth while their adult teeth grow in. This transition is called teething and this can be somewhat uncomfortable for them.

A kitten's full complement of 30 adult teeth develops by the age of six months. This includes twelve incisors, four canines, ten premolars, as well as four molars. By the time your cat reaches adulthood, their permanent teeth should be fully developed and in place, and will last throughout their lifetime with proper care.

Common Dental Issues in Cats

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Tooth Resorption

Many cats, especially older cats, experience this common dental problem. It involves the progressive breakdown of a cat's tooth structure where the hard tissue is dissolved or broken down.

Molars and premolars, which are situated at the back, are mostly affected by this condition. The condition may not show any obvious signs, but it can cause holes to form in teeth as the disease progresses.

Older cats frequently experience this condition; however, younger cats may also develop it. Regular dental checkups are important to find this condition early because cat owners may not notice it themselves

Periodontal Disease

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This common cat dental problem starts with plaque buildup, which can harden into tartar. Tartar buildup irritates the gums, causing a significant degree of inflammation, infection, and large damage to the structures that support the teeth.

The condition typically leads to gingivitis, which causes the gums to become red and bleed. Proper dental care, including regular brushing along with a nutritious diet, can reverse this condition at this stage as early intervention is key.

Poor oral care is the main cause of this concern. This is because it allows a large quantity of plaque to be gathered. Preventing this disease involves regular brushing of their teeth, providing dental treats or toys, and regular checkups with a vet.

Broken Teeth

This typically happens when a cat bites hard bones or toys. Most cats possess a powerful chewing instinct and risk dental damage if they chew on several objects that are excessively hard for their teeth to manage.

There are several types of fractures that can affect a cat's teeth. These fractures range from minor cracks to more serious breaks. Broken teeth often cause difficulty eating and they may also exhibit excessive drooling.

If it is not treated, it can lead to infection, tooth decay, and further damage to the surrounding. Always provide appropriate toys for your cat and avoid all hard objects to prevent this issue.

Stomatitis

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It is an inflammation of the soft tissues in their mouth that affects the gums, inner cheeks, and roof. It can cause severe irritation and swelling, leading to discomfort while eating and changes in behavior.

Poor oral hygiene and lack of regular dental care can increase the risk of developing stomatitis in cats. Cats with this disease may show several signs that indicate discomfort, such as excessive drooling, difficulty eating or chewing, bad breath, and weight loss.

Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene can help prevent stomatitis and other oral health problems in cats.

Bad Breath

Bad breath in your cat could mean a dental problem, a gut issue, or another matter that needs care. A slight odor after eating is usually normal, but persistent bad breath could indicate a problem.

Periodontal disease is a frequent cause of bad breath in cats which includes gingivitis along with more severe gum infections. Broken or fractured teeth can cause several abscesses and these oral infections frequently result in foul-smelling breath.

Brushing your cat's teeth regularly and giving it dental treats considerably improves oral health. Professional dental checkups further help prevent bad breath caused by dental disease.

How to Maintain Cat's Dental Health

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Brush Their Teeth Every Day

Without proper care, cats may get plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth, causing gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss. This hardened plaque, called tartar, is a major cause of several dental problems in cats. Regular brushing of teeth helps prevent meaningful plaque buildup. 

A toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for cats should be selected initially to guarantee a more pleasant experience for your pet. First, lift your cat's lips slightly to adjust them to having their mouths touched. Then, slowly introduce a toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste.

Once your cat becomes completely comfortable with this, begin brushing their teeth using gentle, circular motions. Should your cat strongly resist tooth brushing, explore alternative products like dental wipes or sprays. These helpful products can considerably reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Provide Dental Treats and Toys

Chewing on dental treats and toys helps clean your cat's teeth, promotes healthy gums, and reduces plaque. Regular brushing should not be replaced by them but should be incorporated as supplements as a fun and practical way to maintain dental hygiene.

Dental treats, with a variety of textures, are formulated to ease the removal of plaque and tartar from a cat's teeth during the chewing process. The crunchy exterior, which is frequently found on these treats, is known to contribute to teeth cleaning. A meaningful number of these treats are coated with ingredients that support good oral health.

Several dental toys, such as rubber or nylon chews, are created to satisfy a dog's natural chewing instinct and massage the gums to prevent plaque buildup. Daily inclusion of at least two dental treats and several dental toys in your cat's routine will noticeably decrease the chance of developing dental issues.

Offer a Healthy Diet

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A healthy diet is necessary for good teeth health of a cat. Providing a balanced diet that supports tooth health can help prevent concerns like plaque buildup and ensure a clean and healthy mouth.

Dry kibble is often recommended as part of a dental care diet as the crunchy texture removes plaque. These dental diets typically feature larger, specially designed kibble that encourages chewing and helps to mechanically clean the teeth.

Incorporating dental-friendly treats or foods that contain specific ingredients to support oral health is another effective strategy. By offering a well-rounded, dental-friendly diet, you can help your cat maintain a healthy mouth without adding stress to their daily routine.

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