Cat Dentistry: Discovering the Tooth Count of Feline Fr

Let's dive into the fascinating world of human teeth, which are divided into four distinct types:

1. Incisors These are the sharp, front teeth used for cutting food.

2. Canines Also known as cuspids, these teeth are designed for tearing and holding onto food.

3. Premolars These teeth have a flat surface and are used for crushing and shearing food.

4. Molars These are the largest teeth at the back of the mouth, perfect for grinding and chewing food thoroughly.

Each type of tooth plays a crucial role in the process of eating, from cutting to tearing, crushing, and grinding food. Beyond their role in digestion, healthy teeth contribute to the strength of the jawbone, facial structure, and even speech and drinking. They're truly essential, as evidenced by the constant stream of dental implant ads we see (tears of joy, anyone?)

Take a look at my gleaming white teeth!

Animals of different species have varying tooth shapes, which are related to their diet and nutritional needs. Typically, adults have 32 teeth, and the arrangement of these teeth is referred to as the "dental formula."

The dental formula is expressed using the first letters of the four tooth types in English:

Format: (Number of each type of tooth on the upper jaw) / (Number of each type of tooth on the lower jaw)

Dental Formula = (2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, 3 molars) / (2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, 3 molars)

I Incisors, C Canines, M Molars

The deciduous (baby) teeth consist of 20 teeth: I2/2C1/M2/2, totaling 10 teeth.

The permanent teeth consist of 32 teeth: I2/2C1/1P2/2M3/3, totaling 16 teeth.

Each species has its unique dental formula. Most mammals have two sets of teeth: deciduous and permanent. Dogs and cats are no exception, starting to grow new teeth at around 3 months and continuing until about 1 year of age. Cats tend to have fewer teeth than dogs.

Dogs and cats have four types of teeth: I Incisors, C Canines, M Molars, and P Premolars.

The deciduous dental formula for dogs has a total of 28 teeth:

Upper jaw: 6 incisors, 2 canines, 6 premolars, 0 molars

Lower jaw: 6 incisors, 2 canines, 6 premolars, 0 molars

The permanent dental formula for dogs has a total of 42 teeth:

Upper jaw: 6 incisors, 2 canines, 8 premolars, 4 molars

Lower jaw: 6 incisors, 2 canines, 8 premolars, 6 molars

Dental examination chart for dogs

The deciduous dental formula for cats has a total of 26 teeth:

Upper jaw: 6 incisors, 2 canines, 6 premolars, 0 molars

Lower jaw: 6 incisors, 2 canines, 4 premolars, 0 molars

The permanent dental formula for cats has a total of 30 teeth:

Upper jaw: 6 incisors, 2 canines, 6 premolars, 2 molars

Lower jaw: 6 incisors, 2 canines, 4 premolars, 2 molars

Cats often lack the first upper premolar, the first lower premolar, and the second lower premolar in their anatomy.

It's not just humans who face dental issues; up to 49.6% of companion animals have been found to have tooth fractures. In cases of complex tooth fractures (pulp exposure), the pulp chamber can become contaminated with oral bacteria, leading to infection and necrosis, ultimately resulting in periapical infections.

Enamel resorption is also common, affecting 2772% of domestic cats and a few dogs. It is usually caused by odontoclastic injury.

The most common and widespread dental issue is periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and periodontitis, often caused by dental plaque. Gingivitis is reversible and preventable; removing plaque above and below the gumline can reverse gingivitis, and consistent home care measures can prevent it. Daily maintenance is crucial.

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to the loss of the attachment between the tooth and the gums, turning chronic gingivitis into periodontitis. Periodontitis is also an inflammation that leads to irreversible loss of toothsupporting tissues, from the loss of periodontal ligament to the loss of alveolar bone, resulting in detectable attachment loss. Although the process may be slowed or stopped with treatment and care, it is difficult to reverse and can ultimately lead to tooth loss.

Beyond common dental issues like gingivitis and periodontitis, pets can also undergo similar dental treatments as humans.

Enamel Repair

Enamel hypoplasia is secondary to the interruption of the enamel matrix deposition process at 912 weeks of age, usually due to infection, malnutrition, or trauma. Enamel is the hardest part of the body, protecting the dentin and pulp. When there is a loss, it requires repair.

Enamel hypoplasia and enamel loss

Repair involves using solid acrylic resin as a dental adhesive on areas without enamel to protect the underlying dentin and pulp. Dogs and carnivorous animals often have metal matte further repaired to protect the underlying sensitive structures from pressure and thermal stimulation.

Acrylic repair of enamel defects

Metals provide the most protective crown restoration

Internal Tooth Repair

Teeth with trauma may exhibit a discolored appearance due to irreversible pulpitis, usually accompanied by pulp swelling and bleeding within the pulp. Over time, the pulp begins to die, and the tooth gradually loses its function. This condition may also cause intermittent pain.

Discolored teeth

Discolored teeth are treated with antiinflammatory and pain medications. Some may require root canal treatment or extraction.

Discolored maxillary canines due to irreversible pulpitis

Root canal treatment restoration imaging

Depending on the extent of the damage, if the animal is young and the pulp is not visible clinically, acrylic resin can be used to cover the exposed dentin for repair.

Simple fracture of the mandibular canine tooth

Polymerization of acrylic resin (hardening)

Crown Repair

In cases of pulp exposure, a pulpotomy can be considered to reduce tooth sensitivity and prevent bacterial invasion.

Before the crown restoration

Metal crown restoration

In cases of crown root fracture without pulp exposure, the crown can be restored using calcium hydroxide treatment, followed by a crown model, and finally, metal crown restoration.

Acute complex crown fracture in cats and dogs

In this situation, tooth extraction or root canal treatment is a common practice. Teeth with pulp exposure that are not treated will lead to oral bacteria entering the bloodstream, causing inflammation and infection at the top of the tooth.

Root canal treatment prognosis for teeth

While dental issues may not seem like a big deal, they can be quite significant. If there are any problems, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. And when there are no issues, daily care is essential.

Finally, after learning all this, take a moment to check your little one's teeth.