We love our pets very much. For most of us, they are full members of the family. And very often their health bothers us much more than our own health.
One of the problems that can excite any breeder is the situation when the kitten's teeth fall out. The reasons for this process can be various factors, both natural (physiological) and pathological origin.
Let's look at them in more detail and try to give an answer together to the question: what to do if the kitten's teeth fall out.
Loss of deciduous teeth in kittens
This is a natural physiological process. In this case, there is no reason for concern. All kittens are born toothless. Teething occurs in 1-2 weeks after the baby is born. The process of formation of milk teeth ends at two months of age. The number of milk teeth is 26 pieces. When the kitten reaches the age of 3-4 months, milk teeth begin to fall out. This process also lasts 3-4 months. Loss of teeth in a seven-month-old kitten is a natural occurrence. All that is required of the breeder in this case is to monitor the condition of the gums and count the number of teeth lost.
In this case, the pet may experience the following symptoms:
· The presence of increased saliva.
· Reduced animal tone.
· Attempts to chew on random items.
· Increasing hyper-excitability.
Important! Replacement of primary teeth with molars in kittens is completed when they reach the age of seven months. The number of teeth in an adult is 30 pieces. Six incisors, two canines and two molars are symmetrically located on the upper and lower jaws. There are also 10 premolars (6 at the bottom, 4 at the top). Such knowledge of feline anatomy will tell the breeder what to do if kittens lose their teeth.
Pathological factors
The pathological causes of tooth loss in a kitten are quite extensive. Providing a balanced diet and the absence of a traumatic factor, the teeth in cats are able to persist until old age. If the kitten is more than seven months old and has lost at least one tooth, then this fact should alert the breeder. This may indicate the beginning of the pathological process in the body of your pet. Here is a list of these possible diseases:
· Injuries to the oral cavity.
· Weakening of immunity.
Imbalance in the microflora of the oral cavity.
· Lack of vitamin complexes and trace elements.
Endocrine diseases.
· The presence of tartar.
· Long-term therapy with hormonal drugs.
· Pathological processes in the dental tissue and gums (stomatitis, pulpitis, gingivitis).
· The presence of viral and infectious pathologies.
· Incorrect bite.
Gastrointestinal pathology.
· The presence of malignant tumors.
· Long-term use of antibiotics.
At the slightest suspicion, careful monitoring of the pet should be organized. This will help to more accurately establish the causes of tooth loss in a kitten.
Symptoms of pathological tooth loss
Symptoms in such processes are quite extensive and may have the following symptoms:
Profuse salivation.
Swelling of the gingival tissue.
Hyperemia of the gums.
The presence of bleeding gums.
The presence of purulent formations in the oral cavity.
The presence of purulent inclusions in saliva.
· Enhanced aggressiveness of the animal.
· Refusal of the animal to take water and food.
· The appearance of an unpleasant odor in the oral cavity.
· Difficult chewing food.
Breeders should remember: tooth loss can be an indicator of a kitten developing a serious internal organ disease. Ignoring the problem can lead to fatal consequences. When such symptoms appear, it is necessary to establish the exact cause of tooth loss in kittens.
Help with tooth loss
What to do if a kitten has a tooth? It is difficult to give a definite answer to this question. Methods of solution depend on the cause of the problem. Loss of a canine in a pet, in most cases, may be the result of a mechanical injury. In this situation, the breeder will need to sanitize the wound and observe the healing process, possibly preventing the development of complications. But there are situations when it is not possible to immediately understand the cause of tooth loss in kittens. In this case, only systematic observation of the animals can help. Any abnormality in the behavior of your pet may indicate a serious illness.
Measures to help the pet depend on the pathological or physiological process occurring in his body, and may include:
· Weekly tooth enamel brushing.
· Therapy of carious cavities.
Remediation of the oral cavity.
· A balanced diet.
· Strengthening immunity with the help of special drugs.
· Therapy of the underlying pathology.
In cases where the breeder does not have sufficient experience and does not know what to do, if the kitten has lost his teeth, it is necessary to contact a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. In a specialized institution, your pet will be provided with all the necessary complex of therapeutic measures.
Prevention of tooth loss in kittens
If you carefully monitor the health of your pet, then most of the pathologies that cause tooth loss can be prevented. Here are ways to help keep your kitten's teeth alive.
· Regular oral hygiene.
· High-quality food selection.
· Regular medical examinations.
· Timely treatment of gum disease.
The kitten is brushing his teeth with a special toothbrush. At the same time, toothpastes intended for people should not be used. Their components can harm your pet. For this procedure, you need to buy a special paste for pets. Every breeder should know that toothpaste for dogs is also suitable for feline members.
Prevention of gum disease is carried out by rubbing special gels into the tissue. Such funds can be bought at a regular pharmacy. In this case, the use of drugs intended for humans is allowed.
Tartar should be cleaned only in a specialized veterinary clinic. In this case, it is advisable to avoid the use of general anesthesia. In this case, it is better to do with sedation. This will save the animal from the negative effects of anesthesia. If you still have questions about tartar, then watch the video.
