Did you know that checking your cat’s teeth should be part of your routine? Your pet’s dental health can make all the difference to their quality of life.
If this is already part of your routine and you have noticed that your cat’s canine tooth has fallen out, it is important to know what to do. After all, what can cause this? What are the signs that there is a problem that deserves attention and to prevent your cat from losing this tooth?
Check out everything you need to know about this subject below!
Does a cat change teeth?
Cats only change their teeth when they are kittens, that is, from three months of age. In this case, the baby teeth fall out and the permanent teeth grow in. This is the only time when they fall out and are replaced.
In other words, if your cat loses a canine tooth after this stage, it is a permanent loss, and he will be left without that tooth. It is worth remembering that they are essential for cutting and tearing food in your pet’s routine.
What are the signs?
If you constantly check your furry friend’s teeth, you may notice that there is a problem and seek help before it falls out. Therefore, it is essential that you know the first signs that something is wrong. These include:
- inflamed (red) gums;
- bad breath;
- constant bleeding of the gums;
- reduced appetite;
- presence of pus pockets in the gums;
- purring excessively, even without being petted (some cats do this as a sign of pain)
- meowing above normal.
Can a cat’s canine tooth fall out?
It is possible, but they usually only fall out when there is a more serious health problem that causes it. Even older cats, when properly cared for, tend not to lose teeth.
What are the common causes?
If your cat’s canine tooth has already fallen out and you don’t know what happened, knowing the main causes can even help your vet understand what happened and help them choose the best treatment.
Discover the main causes below.
Fractures
Fractures are one of the main causes of tooth loss in cats, even when their oral health is good. They usually occur when there is some trauma to the cat’s mouth, such as being run over or hit, fighting or eating very hard food.
Dental abscess
Another common cause is the formation of abscesses in the tooth, that is, swellings that appear near the canine. They usually appear when there is a complication of broken teeth or when there is a disease that harms the health of your friend’s gums.
Poor nutrition
A malnourished cat may have weakened bone structure, which makes its teeth more likely to weaken and fall out.
Therefore, it is essential to maintain a good diet with quality food and encourage hydration, preferably with a source for them. Also, avoid foods that can harm their health (such as cow’s milk ).
Periodontal disease
Another common cause of tooth loss is periodontal disease, which is when your cat’s gums become inflamed or infected. This usually happens due to the build-up of plaque and tartar, which causes this problem in the area. Therefore, regular brushing helps minimize this risk.
What to do if your cat’s canine tooth falls out?
Your cat’s canine tooth has fallen out and you don’t know what to do? In this case, it is very important to consult a veterinarian, preferably one who specializes in feline dentistry.
He will assess both the main cause and whether other teeth are at risk. He will also be able to see if it is necessary to make adjustments to the diet to make it more comfortable for your friend, as he may have more difficulty chewing now.
In this article, you saw what to do when your cat’s canine tooth falls out and the main causes of the problem. We hope it has helped to clear up any doubts you may have on the subject.
