As a pet parent, you likely know how important dental health is to your pet’s overall wellness. But, there’s likely a lot you don’t know about your dog or cat and their mouth! Maybe you’re wondering, how many teeth do dogs have? Or, you’ve asked yourself the same question about your feline friend: how many teeth do cats have? Perhaps you’ve wondered what’s normal and whether or not your cat can get cavities. Whatever the case may be, here are some facts to help you better understand your dog or cat and their dental health.
Dog Dental Fact #1: Dogs Have 42 Adult Teeth
Adult dogs have 42 teeth. Yeah, that’s a lot of chompers! Your pup will start developing teeth when he’s just 3 weeks old and those baby teeth usually come in over the next several weeks. But, these teeth are different from the 42 your adult dog has. Puppy teeth vs dog teeth are called deciduous teeth — and your puppy will have 28 of them. As your little pup grows older, he’ll start to develop his permanent adult teeth. This usually happens between 3 - 6 months of age.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have? Dog Dental Fact #1: Fido Has 42 Teeth!
Dog Dental Fact #2: Bad Breathe Is NOT Normal!
While it might seem like a totally normal thing, it’s not status quo for your dog to have a not-so-nice odor coming from his mouth. Many pet parents just assume that bad breath is par for the course when you have a doggo at home, but this is not the case! When you take care to keep your dog’s teeth clean — With regular brushing, annual dental checks, and a balanced diet, your dog shouldn’t have bad breath!
If there’s a less than pleasant odor coming from your dog’s mouth, it’s a good idea to take him in to get things checked out! Have a Vet or doggie dentist give him a thorough exam...because your dog? He doesn’t need to have bad breath! With proper dental care, your pet’s breath shouldn’t be an issue at all.
Dog Dental Fact #3: Dental Health Issues Can Lead To Other Health Problems
Proper dental care is key when it comes to your pet. And part of the reason why is because your dog’s dental health can affect the rest of his wellness. If he has an oral health issue, it can spread to other areas of the body and cause harm. If left unchecked, dental issues cause discomfort not just in the mouth, but in your dog’s jaws, joints, and other areas of the body. Support Fido by keeping his teeth clean on a regular basis, feeding him a balanced diet filled with whole foods, and giving him plenty to chew on. You can help your dog keep his teeth clean by giving him dental chews and bones to prevent oral health issues from causing concern in other areas of your dog’s body.
While dogs and cats do share many similarities, they’re certainly different creatures with distinct features. So, here are some cat dental facts to help you care for your feline friend and her oral health.
Cat Dental Fact #1: Cats Have 30 Teeth
Your feline friend? She has a mouth filled with 30 teeth. And, just like dogs, your cat starts out with baby teeth! Kittens first start to develop teeth when they’re between 3 - 8 weeks old. You can expect your little friend to have 26 deciduous baby teeth. Then, as she grows from a kitten into an adult cat, her permanent chompers start growing when she’s between 3 - 6 months old.
How Many Teeth Do Cats Have? Dog Dental Fact #1: Fifi Has 30 Teeth!
Cat Dental Fact #2: Cats Don’t Get Cavities
Did you know that your cat can’t get cavities? It’s because she has teeth that don’t leave room for any horizontal space, which is where cavities typically develop in humans (and dogs). Plus, your feline friend doesn’t consume much sugar and she steers clear of starchy carbs which cause cavities. These two things combined and your cat doesn’t have to worry about ever getting a cavity!
Cat Dental Fact #3: Cats Rarely Let You Know Their Mouth Is Uncomfortable
Cats are notoriously stoic, especially when it comes to their oral health. If your feline friend is experiencing dental discomfort, chances are you won’t know about it unless you check things out for yourself. And this is why it’s so important to conduct regular health checks and routinely examine your cat’s mouth. You’ll notice any potential issues before they escalate and make your cat uncomfortable. And you’ll catch anything she may be hiding from you!
Pethonesty Products For Dog Dental Health
Want to support your dog and all 42 of his teeth with a dental supplement, pick up a bottle of Oral Hygiene Dental Water. It’s made with ingredients designed to freshen your pet’s breath and that work to help prevent dental issues from developing into serious oral health problems. Orm if your dog enjoys chews, pick up some Oral Hygiene Fresh Sticks. They’re designed to reach all the nooks and crannies in your dog’s mouth thanks to their grooved shape and they’re formulated with ingredients like Bormelian and peppermint that promote dental health.
Sources:
https://www.lincolnshireanimalhospital.com/blog/pet-dental-month-facts-did-you-know/
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care
