New kitten? Here’s a guide to dental care for cats

Kittens undergo significant changes in their mouths during the first six to seven months of life. They grow two sets of teeth: first, the deciduous (baby) teeth, which eventually fall out, followed by the eruption of their permanent (adult) teeth. Beyond this developmental phase, kittens can also experience issues similar to adult cats, including periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a reaction to plaque buildup, and if left untreated, it can lead to gum infections, tooth loss, and more serious health complications. That’s why establishing an oral health care routine early on is essential.

Cats are experts at hiding pain, so dental issues may not be obvious until they become severe. Because cats are creatures of habit, they may not show changes in behaviour or routine even when something is wrong. Starting an oral health care regimen early helps catch problems before they cause significant discomfort or damage.

Creating a consistent brushing routine is the best way to protect your kitten’s long-term oral health and prevent dental disease. Brushing is the gold standard because it helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Even for kittens, daily brushing is ideal, as they are more amenable to training and taking on new things during this time in their life. Start by familiarising your kitten with the sensation of having something in its mouth and work towards using an appropriately sized soft bristle toothbrush.

You’re more likely to succeed if you choose a time when your kitten is relaxed, typically before bedtime. Reward your kitten with praise or treats after each brushing session to build a positive association with this essential dental activity.

Always use toothpaste specifically designed for pets, as human varieties contain fluoride and foaming agents that can be toxic to animals. While the toothpaste helps support dental health, it’s the brushing action that effectively cleans their teeth. Even if you don’t have pet toothpaste, regular brushing is crucial for maintaining their oral hygiene.

For more detailed instructions, see our guide on how to brush your cat’s teeth.

There are a few dental matters to look out for in a growing kitten. As new teeth erupt, it’s important to ensure they are coming in correctly. While malocclusions are uncommon in kittens, checking that all teeth are properly aligned is crucial. Early detection of a tooth coming in at a poor angle provides a better opportunity for corrective action.

Canines should erupt in a position where they do not touch the opposite side of the mouth. A misaligned sharp canine tooth can cause significant damage if it hits the other side. This issue is more common with lower canines than upper canines, so it’s important to monitor the alignment of new teeth as they come in.

Another critical aspect to monitor is the eruption of new teeth. During this phase, the gums can become very red and inflamed, which is normal to some extent. However, in some kittens, the inflammation can persist, leading to further issues. Keeping an eye on gum health during tooth eruption is essential and can be done easily during routine brushing.

Dental checks are often done alongside other routine vet visits, such as vaccinations or desexing. Around 6 months of age is a good time to have your kitten’s teeth checked, as they should have lost their baby teeth and have all their adult teeth in place. If the teeth aren’t properly aligned, intervention may be needed. This is also the time to ensure that any gum inflammation from teething has settled and hasn’t developed into a larger issue. After this, having their dental health checked annually (often as part of their yearly health check) is ideal.

During the examination, your vet will gently lift your cat’s lips to inspect their mouth, taking care to be slow and gentle, as cats can be stressed during vet visits. By lifting the lips without opening the mouth, we can check for:

• Missing teeth
• Broken teeth
• Plaque and tartar buildup
• Gingivitis

While a visual inspection provides valuable insights, it doesn’t reveal everything. If a more detailed evaluation is needed, your vet may recommend anesthesia for a thorough examination and X-rays.

For a comprehensive dental visit, your cat will be given a general anesthetic, allowing us to thoroughly examine their mouth, take dental X-rays and probe teeth. They will arrive earlier in the day for preparation and examination before the procedure.

After the procedure, your cat will recover under the care of our nursing staff. Once fully awake, we’ll call you to schedule a pickup, during which we’ll discuss the findings and treatment before you take your cat home.

We understand that cats can feel anxious and squirmy during vet visits, so it’s important to help them become accustomed to being held and examined. Training them to tolerate having their mouth checked not only allows you to monitor their oral health at home but also ensures vets can perform a thorough examination. This helps catch and treat any dental issues early.

If you’re wondering whether your cat’s breed affects its susceptibility to dental issues, some breeds are more prone to problems than others. Brachycephalic breeds (squashed-face cats), such as Persians, Exotics, Burmese and Himalayans, often have less space in their mouths than the average cat. However, they still need to fit the same number and size of teeth, which can cause them to overlap or twist, leading to an increased risk of periodontal disease.