Polydontia

What is Polydontia (Retained Kitten/Primary Teeth)?
Cats have two sets of teeth. The 26 deciduous (baby) kitten teeth emerge by two months of age and fall out to be replaced by permanent teeth between three and six months of age. Polydontia occurs when the primary tooth and the permanent tooth vie for the same tooth socket in the month. When the primary tooth pushes the permanent tooth out of line, problems develop. Food can get trapped and lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease and infection. Too many teeth in a mouth can lead to misalignment (under bites or overbites) and crowding.

How does my cat get Polydontia?
This dental condition is suspected to be genetic, but the cause remains unknown. No cat breed has been singled out. Certain dog breeds with small jaws have been identified to be at greater risk.

How do I know if my cat has Polydontia?
In a healthy cat’s mouth, the deciduous tooth’s root is reabsorbed to make way for the permanent adult tooth. Regularly check inside your growing kitten’s mouth for any signs of two teeth occupying the same location or redness or swelling. Your veterinarian will confirm you diagnosis by observing the mouth while looking for other retained teeth that may have been missed. The goal is to prevent a double set of roots from developing and causing dental problems.

What can I do about Polydontia?
The earlier the identification of this condition, the better. You will need to book an appointment with your veterinarian to bring in your kitten for dental surgery to remove the deciduous tooth (or teeth) to allow the permanent teeth to come in properly.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my cat from getting Polydontia?
There is nothing to do to prevent your kitten from developing this condition, but you can be proactive with early diagnosis by monitoring inside your kitten’s mouth as he grows his permanent teeth.

Are there certain breeds that get Polydontia more often?
Although certain dog breeds have been linked to this condition, it has not been linked to a specific cat breed.