Cat teeth are one of the most interesting and important features of their anatomy. These sharp little chompers help them rip and tear food, fight off foes, and even groom themselves. And just like every other part of your cat, their teeth are perfectly designed to get the job done.

So, let’s examine some fun facts and learn all about cat teeth: what they do, how they work, and of course, the best ways to keep them healthy!

Anatomy of a Cat Tooth

Your cat’s teeth are made up of several parts, including:

Crown: The entire portion of the tooth above the gum line
Dentin: This soft, inner area is shielded by the crown and a protective layer called enamel
Root: The portion of the tooth below the gum line that anchors the tooth in place
Pulp: The spongy center area of the tooth where the blood vessels and nerves are located

Fun Facts About Cat Teeth

Felines have two sets of teeth.

Cat teeth may look and function differently than our own, but they do bear some similarities. Like us, cats are born with two sets of teeth: deciduous (or baby) teeth and permanent (or adult) teeth. This is known as diphyodont dentition.

Kittens are initially born without teeth, just like humans. At about two weeks of age, their deciduous teeth begin to come in, only to fall out again three to four months later when the permanent teeth begin to break through.

Cats go from 26 baby teeth to 30 full adult teeth by the time they're six months old. This is two less than adult humans and a whopping 12 less than adult dogs.

Cats don’t chew their food.

As you may have noticed by peaking in your cat’s mouth, feline molars do not have horizontal or concave surfaces like ours do. These flat areas are called occlusal tables and they provide a greater surface area for animals like humans and dogs to chew.

Cat teeth do not have occlusal tables because there is very little chewing going on when they eat. Instead, their teeth are pointy and peg-like to help them tear flesh into smaller bits, toss them back, and swallow them whole. As true carnivores, this is necessary for wild felines, who may find themselves eating on the run.

they can only move their jaws up and down.

Another interesting fact about cat teeth is that the jaws in which they are set can only move up and down. Unlike humans, whose jaws can also move side to side in order to grind up food, cats do not need this additional chewing action.

Their tiny incisors help during grooming.

Incisors are the small, blunt teeth at the front of the mouth between the two sets of canines. These teeth can be positively tiny in cats, especially kittens. And while they’re not very good for hunting, they are perfect for grooming, scratching hard-to-reach itches, and picking up objects.

Cats use these teeny teeth as tweezers, picking out dandruff, loose hair, and (shudder) fleas. Incisors also come in handy for nibbling away loose pieces of shed toenail from their claws.

Cat teeth never need root canals.

Not chewing their food, eating a protein-rich diet, and being born without occlusal tables on their molars means cats are immune to cavities as we know them. Without horizontal surfaces that accumulate bits of food and the sugar-eating bacteria that cause cavities, cats get to avoid this particular dental problem.

Up to 90% of cats over the age of four suffer from dental disease.

Cats may not have to worry about cavities, but according to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, between 50% and 90% of kitties have some form of dental disease by the age of four. Potential problems include:

Gingivitis - inflammation of the gums
Stomatitis - painful inflammation of the entire mouth
Periodontal disease - infection of the gums that damages the soft tissue around the teeth
Tooth resorption - erosion of the dentin that can eventually destroy the entire tooth

These painful conditions can be difficult for cat parents to spot because kitties are such stoic animals that excel at hiding their pain.

On the subject of stomatitis and gingivitis, Dr. Kent writes:

“Stomatitis and gingivitis in cats may be caused by specific respiratory viruses they have as kittens, mainly calicivirus. When the sneezing is long gone, the residual painful gums and mouth tissue will remain.
The type of inflammation that causes gingivitis and stomatitis is due to an overactive immune response characterized by an influx of lymphocytes and plasma cells. These cells may go away temporarily with treatment with prednisolone, a corticosteroid. Certain antibiotics: amoxicillin clavulanate and clindamycin, also help reduce the bacteria in the inflamed tissue in the mouth.
Extracting all the teeth other than the 4 long canine teeth and the tiny incisor teeth in the middle will lead to a resolution of the painful inflammation in the mouth. I have learned through trial and error that extracting the teeth early in life will lead to a longer, more comfortable life for the cat.”

How to Spot Dental Issues in Cats

There are several symptoms that could indicate a problem with your cat’s teeth, including:

Bad breath
Drooling
Bloody drool
Red, inflamed gums
Poor appetite
Dropping food while eating
Changes in grooming habits
Pawing at the mouth or rubbing face on furniture
Lethargy
Depression

Consequences of Untreated Dental Disease

Feline dental disease means more than just painful cat teeth and gums. If left untreated, tooth decay can allow infection to spread to other areas of the body, including the liver, kidneys, and heart. In rare cases, this can lead to sepsis, organ failure, and even death.

Caring for Your Cat’s Teeth

There are lots of things you can do at home to help ensure your cat enjoys a lifetime of good dental health.

Start with a complete and balanced diet.

While cats don’t chew their food much, studies suggest that those fed a dry diet may enjoy better oral health than those that eat wet food. This likely has something to do with food quality. There are a lot of canned cat foods on the market packed with preservatives, artificial colors, and added flavorings.

When searching for the best food for your cat, look for high-quality animal protein sources, essential nutrients, and clear, straightforward labeling. Additionally, choose a food appropriate for your cat’s current life stage. If the sheer volume of choices becomes overwhelming, narrow down a few top choices and consult your vet for help pinpointing the best selection.

Brush early and often

The key to establishing a successful tooth-brushing routine with your cat is to start early and stay vigilant. Starting when your cat is a kitten is best, but any cat can learn to tolerate brushing with practice and patience.

Before beginning a brushing regimen, schedule a dental exam with your vet to ensure your cat’s mouth is healthy and pain-free. Performing home dental care on a cat that is already suffering from dental disease will do more harm than good.

Tips for Brushing Cat Teeth

Get your cat used to the sensation of brushing by gently rubbing their face, cheeks, and around their mouth
Use tuna juice or low-sodium broth to get your kitty interested in the smell
Allow them to lick your finger before gently massaging their gums
Repeat these steps with toothpaste designed for dogs and cats (NOT human toothpaste)
If your cat objects to a pet-safe toothbrush, cover your finger with a clean washcloth or squares of gauze
Brush a few teeth at a time, taking breaks for treats and love in between
If your cat begins to struggle too much, end the session, it’s better to have a short, successful experience than a long, traumatizing one!

In addition to toothpaste, there are also several cat-safe dental chews, rinses, and water additives on the market. One study found that cats that received dental chews in addition to their dry food had less plaque and tartar on their teeth and less severe gingivitis than cats who were fed dry food alone.

When choosing dental products for your cat’s teeth, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal. This is a good indicator that the product is safe and effective.

Seek professional help

Veterinarians typically look in your cat’s mouth every time they perform a physical exam but if your kitty is showing signs of tooth pain or discomfort, schedule an additional dental exam as soon as possible. Your vet will focus on all aspects of your cat’s teeth, including diet, grooming habits, and recent behavior. He/she may also recommend dental x-rays.

If excess plaque, tartar, inflammation, or further signs of dental disease are found, it may be time for a professional dental cleaning. Cats are put under anesthesia for this procedure to ensure they do not swallow the disease-causing debris as it is chipped away from their teeth.

This is also a good time to remove any rotten or infected teeth. Many senior cats have several if not all, their teeth pulled and go on to do just fine. They are able to eat, play, groom themselves, and live normal, healthy lives. In fact, some cats are much happier once those painful problem teeth are gone.

Cat Teeth: The Importance Of Keeping Your Kitty's Mouth Healthy