TL;DR: Retained baby teeth occur when a kitten's primary teeth fail to fall out as adult teeth emerge, which can lead to dental disease and alignment issues. While not a life-threatening emergency, you should schedule a veterinary appointment to evaluate if extraction is necessary.
What are retained baby teeth and how do they affect my kitten?
Retained baby teeth, also known as persistent deciduous teeth, occur when a kitten's adult teeth begin to emerge but the primary baby teeth fail to fall out. This often results in two teeth occupying the same small space in the gum line, which can lead to crowding and alignment issues.
Are retained baby teeth in cats considered a veterinary emergency?
- The urgency level for retained baby teeth is low; it is not a life-threatening emergency requiring an immediate ER visit.
- This condition should be addressed by your veterinarian during a scheduled appointment.
- Untreated retained teeth can trap food and bacteria, leading to periodontal disease or causing adult teeth to grow at painful angles.
How does taking a photo of my cat's mouth help the veterinary team with triage?
- A clear, well-lit photo allows a professional to see exactly which teeth are affected.
- It helps the team check for clinical signs like gum redness or swelling.
- This visual information helps them determine if the extraction can wait until a routine spay or neuter surgery or if a separate dental procedure is required sooner.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Retained deciduous teeth in cats occur when the permanent tooth fails to erupt in the correct position, preventing normal exfoliation of the deciduous tooth. This can be due to hypodontia (absence of a permanent tooth), a genetically malpositioned permanent tooth bud, or traumatic displacement. Retention may cause permanent tooth displacement, leading to malocclusion or food entrapment and subsequent periodontal disease. Therefore, retained deciduous teeth should be removed as soon as possible, with care taken to avoid damaging the underlying permanent tooth bud. Due to the potential genetic component, pets with persistent deciduous teeth should not be bred unless trauma is known to be the cause.
Chapter: Dentistry
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 164)