Cat Lost Canine Tooth

Question
Hi, Jessica.

Recently, I noticed that my cat lost one of its canine teeth. She lost the bottom left one. My concern is, that I just noticed that she was missing the tooth, but not sure how long ago she would have lost it.

My cat will be 7 years old.. is it common for senior cats to lose canine their canine teeth?

Thanks,
Debby

Answer
Hi Debby,

Dental disease is very common in senior cats. Most cats in their senior years have lost at least some teeth. Usually, they lose the tiny incisors between the canines, first. Small premolars tend to go next. But when you see a canine disappear, it's usually an indication that there's significant oral disease. It's not rare for cats to lose canines, but these are usually some of the last to go, and your kitty would probably benefit from an oral exam and cleaning. In all likelihood, she'll probably have a couple of other teeth that would be better off to be pulled, as well.

Canine teeth don't usually just fall out. Their roots run surprisingly deep. So what has actually happened most times, when we find a canine tooth is missing, is that it has broken off just below the gum line. This is usually due to a condition called an oral resorptive lesion. For unknown reasons, the body begins to break down the tooth from the outside in, starting around the gums. The tooth becomes soft, and eventually, nerves are exposed. Shorter teeth often waste away to nothing if not addressed, but canines, because they're so long, break off at the gum line as they become weak. Some cats heal up after this, but for most, the painful lesion continues its attack on the root that remains under the gum. Dental surgery is required to remove it. Some vets have dental x-rays to detect the roots. Some may need to refer you out.

Cats with one resorptive lesion are likely to have others, and the only way to treat them is to remove the tooth before it breaks. Luckily, cats do just fine, even if they have no teeth at all.

Best wishes!
Jessica