Maine Coon Dental Issues

When we adopted our two Maine Coon cats, we quickly discovered they both suffered from gingivitis, a common dental issue among felines. This unexpected challenge led us on a journey to understand and manage Maine Coon dental health. Regular cat dental care and preventive measures are essential to avoid such expenses and ensure our pets’ well-being in the future.

Understanding Maine Coon Cat Teeth

Maine Coon cats, like all domestic cats, have 30 permanent teeth. These teeth are categorized as follows:

• Incisors (12): Located at the front of the mouth, six on the top and six on the bottom. These teeth are used for biting and cutting food.

• Canines (4): Also known as fangs, there are two on the top and two on the bottom. These long, sharp teeth are used for tearing meat.

• Premolars (10): Positioned behind the canines, there are six on the top and four on the bottom. Premolars are used for shearing and grinding food.

• Molars (4): There are two on the top and two on the bottom, situated at the very back of the mouth. Molars are primarily used for grinding food.

  
  

Teething Timeline

Kittens are born without teeth. According to ASPCA, a Maine Coon kitten’s deciduous (baby teeth) start to appear around 2-4 weeks of age. Around 3-4 months of age, kittens begin to lose these baby teeth.

Their full-grown Maine Coon teeth then start to grow when a kitten reaches 3-4 months of age, beginning with the middle incisors around the 14-week mark. By 6 months, they typically have their complete set of 30 adult teeth.

Adult Maine Coon teeth are made up of a variety of different tooth types, each with its unique purpose and use:

Incisors

Smaller teeth between canines on the upper and lower jaws. Used for nibbling and grooming.

Incisors help keep cats’ tongues in their mouth. They also enable cats to grasp food. Cats have six incisors in the mandible and six in the maxilla, totaling 12 incisors.

Canine Teeth: ‘Maine Coon Fangs’

Essential for puncturing and gripping prey. These sharp canine teeth help cats kill and shred their prey.

They have two at the bottom and two fangs at the top.

Premolars

Used for shearing flesh and grinding food. Your cat uses sharp-edged premolars for shearing their prey into small edible chunks. Maine Coon cats have 3 Premolars on each side of the upper jaw and two premolars on each side of the lower jaw. Totalling 10 premolars.

Molars

Cats have one upper and one lower molar on each side. Your cat uses sharp-edged molars for shearing their prey into small edible chunks.

Common Maine Coon Teeth Problems

Cat dental and oral hygiene are of utmost importance. Watch out for the following cat dental problems.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums, often the first stage of periodontal disease. Typically caused by the accumulation of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. If not removed through regular brushing and dental care, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to gingivitis. In cats, gingivitis is often the first stage of periodontal disease.

Symptoms

Common indicators include red and swollen gums, bad breath, drooling, and difficulty eating. You might also notice your cat pawing at their mouth or reluctance to eat hard food.

Early signs appear at the point where the tooth meets the gum. This area will look pinkish. Watch out for tooth loss, pain, a cat not eating, and drooling.

The cat might have difficulty eating, preferring to chew on one side of the mouth.

Likelihood

Studies indicate that up to 70% of cats over three may suffer from some form of dental disease, with gingivitis being the most common initial condition.

Are Maine Coons More Susceptible?

Maine Coons are not necessarily more susceptible to gingivitis than other breeds, but their large size and robust appetite might make any discomfort from dental issues more noticeable.

Our Cats

When we adopted our two Maine Coons, both had gingivitis. Their gums were noticeably inflamed, and their breath had a distinct odor. Regular vet check-ups revealed the extent of the inflammation, underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment.

Treatment and prevention

• Regular Vet Check-Ups: Scheduling routine dental examinations is crucial. Early detection can prevent gingivitis from progressing to more severe conditions.

• Daily Brushing: Brushing your cat’s teeth daily with a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste can significantly reduce plaque buildup.

• Dental Treats: Providing dental treats to reduce plaque and tartar can be an effective supplementary measure.

  
  

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an advanced gum disease that affects the tissues supporting the teeth, leading to severe dental issues. It is when the periodontium (tissues around teeth) becomes inflamed. Bacteria, also known as ‘plaque’, build upon and around the cat’s teeth, causing inflammation of the cat’s tooth and gum support structures.

Symptoms

Symptoms include receding gums, loose teeth, pus around the gum line, and visible pain when your cat eats or is touched around the mouth. Additionally, oral pain, bone Infection, tooth loss, and abscesses. Symptoms should not be ignored because cats can develop heart valve and kidney health conditions when oral bacteria enter their bloodstream, via diseased oral tissues.

Likelihood

Periodontal disease is very common in cats and is known as ‘gum disease’. It is estimated that 85% of cats over the age of six have some form of periodontal disease. This condition is a progression from untreated gingivitis.

Are Maine Coons More Susceptible?

Maine Coons can be as susceptible as any other breed, especially if their gingivitis is not properly managed.

Treatment And Prevention

• Professional Cleanings: Regular professional dental cleanings are essential. These cleanings remove tartar and plaque that can’t be reached through brushing alone.

• Advanced Veterinary Care: In severe cases, surgical intervention might be necessary to remove affected teeth and prevent further infection.

• Consistent Oral Hygiene: Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is vital for preventing the disease’s progression.

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Stages Of Periodontal Disease

1. Gingivitis

The first stage, gingivitis, is the earliest form of periodontal disease. As explained above, it is characterized by inflammation of the gums, resulting from the accumulation of plaque and tartar.

2. Early Periodontitis

The second stage, early periodontitis, occurs when the inflammation extends deeper, affecting the tissues and bones supporting the teeth.

Symptoms become more pronounced, with:

• Increased gum inflammation

• Bleeding, receding gums

• Mild to moderate tartar build-up

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Treatment at this stage requires more intensive dental cleaning by a veterinarian and consistent home care to prevent further progression.

3. Advanced Periodontitis

The final and most severe stage is advanced periodontitis.

At this point, the supporting structures of the teeth are significantly damaged, leading to:

• Severe gum recession

• Loose or missing teeth

• Pus around the tooth

• Pain

• Difficulty eating

• Severe bad breath

  
  

Treatment often involves tooth extractions, intensive veterinary care, and ongoing dental management to control the disease and prevent further loss of teeth. Understanding and addressing periodontal disease early can significantly improve a cat’s oral health and overall well-being.

What Is Halitosis?

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is a condition characterized by an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth. It can be caused by various factors, including:

• Poor dental hygiene

• Oral infections

• Certain foods

• Underlying health conditions

• Food residue becomes trapped between a cat’s teeth and gums. As residues interact with bacteria in the cat’s mouth, it rotates and emits a smell.

In cats, halitosis often indicates dental problems such as plaque and tartar build-up, gingivitis, or more severe periodontal disease.

It can also be a symptom of other health issues, including gastrointestinal problems.

Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption is when the body begins to break down and absorb the tooth structure, leading to painful lesions and eventual tooth loss. It is thought to be the most common reason for cats experiencing tooth loss, affecting between 30% and 70% of the cat population.

It is unknown what causes this disease, but owners should watch for its key symptoms since tooth resorption progresses to other parts of the tooth as the disease develops. Unfortunately, severe tooth damage has occurred once this symptom is identified (source ).

Symptoms

Symptoms include red and swollen gums, visible lesions, difficulty eating, and noticeable pain. Cats may also exhibit changes in eating habits or become more irritable. If you notice your cat has stopped eating their food or is drooling, this may be because they are experiencing oral pain. Another sign of cat discomfort is when the cat repeatedly turns their head whilst eating, which is done to move food away from teeth that might be hurting. 

Likelihood

It is estimated that 30-70% of cats show signs of tooth resorption (source ).

Studies show that tooth resorption affects up to 60% of cats over the age of six, making it a common dental issue.

Are Maine Coons More Susceptible?

There is no specific evidence to suggest Maine Coons are more susceptible to tooth resorption than other breeds. One of the key reasons for Maine Coon tooth loss is tooth resorption.

Treatment and prevention

• Regular Check-Ups: Frequent veterinary check-ups can help detect tooth resorption early. X-rays are often necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

• Tooth Extraction: Extraction of the affected teeth is usually required to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.

  
  

Stomatitis

Feline stomatitis is the painful inflammation of the mouth’s soft tissues, and causes ulcers to develop in the cat’s mouth. It is often related to an immune response. This condition can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life. Widespread oral inflammation beyond gingivitis and periodontitis. It can extend into a cat’s submucosal tissues (source ).

Stomatitis

Symptoms include red, inflamed gums, excessive drooling, refusal to eat, ulceration of the oral mucosa, oral discomfort, dropping food, and weight loss. Severe cases can cause significant discomfort and behavioral changes.

Cats with stomatitis often stop eating because it is too painful for them to open their mouths. Alternatively, you may notice your cat trying to eat, but yelping and dropping their food. Other signs include bad breath, pawing at their face or mouth, a messy coat of hair, and unexplained weight loss.

Liklihood

Stomatitis is less common, affecting about 1-3% of cats. However, it is a severe condition that requires intensive management.

Treatment and Prevention

• Dental Care: Maintaining excellent dental hygiene is crucial. Regular brushing and dental cleanings can help manage the condition.

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.

• Possible Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, extraction of most or all of the teeth might be necessary to eliminate the source of inflammation and pain.

  
  

Preventive Dental Care For Maine Coons

Ensuring good dental health is vital for Maine Coons, as they are susceptible to various dental issues.

1. Regular Vet Check-Ups

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for maintaining your Maine Coon’s dental health. Professional dental exams allow the vet to detect early signs of dental problems such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, or tooth resorption.

These exams usually include:

• Thorough Oral Examination: The vet examines the teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of disease or abnormalities.

• Professional Cleaning: Veterinarians can perform dental cleanings under anesthesia, removing plaque and tartar that daily brushing may miss. This prevents the progression of gingivitis to more severe periodontal disease.

• X-rays: Dental X-rays can detect issues below the gum line, such as tooth resorption or bone loss, which are not visible during a regular exam.

  
  

2. Daily Brushing

Daily brushing is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental problems.

Here’s how to do it:

• Start Slowly: Begin by getting your cat used to the process. Let them taste the cat-specific toothpaste first.

• Use the Right Tools: Use a cat-specific toothbrush or a finger brush designed for pets. These are softer and smaller, making them suitable for a cat’s mouth.

• Brush Gently: Lift your cat’s lip and gently brush their teeth in a circular motion, focusing on the gum line where plaque accumulates.

• Use Cat-Specific Toothpaste: Never use human toothpaste. Cat-specific toothpaste is flavored to appeal to cats and is safe for them to swallow.

Consistency is key. Even if you can’t brush daily, aim to do it as often as possible.

3. Dental Treats And Toys

Dental treats and toys can complement brushing by helping to reduce plaque and tartar build-up.

• Dental Treats: These treats are designed to clean teeth as your cat chews. They often contain ingredients that help reduce bacteria in the mouth.

• Chew Toys: Dental chew toys can help keep your cat’s teeth clean by mechanically removing plaque. They also provide mental stimulation and satisfy the natural urge to chew.

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4. Diet

A balanced diet is crucial for your Maine Coon’s overall health, including dental health.

• Dry Food: Dry kibble can help reduce plaque build-up by mechanically scraping the teeth as the cat chews.

• High-Quality Ingredients: Ensure the diet is rich in essential nutrients. Look for high-quality protein sources necessary for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

• Water Intake: Adequate hydration helps maintain overall health, including oral health. Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times.

  
  

Steps For Brushing A Maine Coon Cat’s Teeth

Brushing your Maine Coon’s teeth can be a manageable and even enjoyable routine if approached correctly. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:

1. Acclimate Your Cat to Handling

Before introducing a toothbrush, get your cat used to having their mouth touched.

Steps

• Start Slowly: Begin by gently touching and massaging your cat’s mouth and gums with your fingers. Do this for a few seconds each day.

• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat with treats and praise to create a positive association with the handling.

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2. Introduce Cat-Specific Toothpaste

Cat toothpaste is specially formulated to be safe and appealing to cats.

Steps

• Let Them Taste: Put a small amount of the toothpaste on your finger and let your cat lick it off. Do this for a few days so your cat gets accustomed to the taste.

• Increase Familiarity: Gradually start rubbing the toothpaste on their gums with your finger.

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3. Choose The Right Toothbrush

Using the correct toothbrush is essential for effective cleaning.

Steps

• Types of Brushes: Use a cat-specific toothbrush or a finger brush. These are designed to fit comfortably in a cat’s mouth.

• Get Them Used to the Brush: Allow your cat to sniff and play with the toothbrush to reduce any fear or anxiety.

  
  

4. Begin Brushing

Once your cat is comfortable with the toothpaste and toothbrush, you can start brushing their teeth.

Steps

• Position Your Cat: Place your cat comfortably, ideally on your lap or a non-slippery surface. You might need someone to help hold your cat gently.

• Apply Toothpaste: Put a small amount of cat toothpaste on the brush.

• Brush Gently: Lift your cat’s lip and gently brush the outer surfaces of the teeth in a circular motion. Focus on the gum line where plaque tends to accumulate.

• Short Sessions: Start with short sessions, just a few teeth at a time, and gradually increase the duration as your cat becomes more comfortable.

  
  

5. Be Patient And Consistent

Patience and consistency are key to successful tooth brushing.

Steps

• Stay Calm: Keep a calm and soothing tone to reassure your cat.

• Daily Routine: Aim to brush your cat’s teeth daily, but even a few times a week can be beneficial.

• Positive Reinforcement: Always reward your cat with a treat or affection after brushing to reinforce positive behavior.

  
  

6. Regular Monitoring

Keep an eye on your cat’s oral health and watch for any signs of dental issues.

Steps

• Check for Problems: Look for signs like red or swollen gums, bad breath, or difficulty eating.

• Vet Visits: Schedule regular vet check-ups to ensure your cat’s teeth and gums are healthy.

  
  

Tips For Success

• Use a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet, stress-free environment.

• Make It Routine: Incorporate tooth brushing into your daily routine.

• Be Gentle: Never force the process. If your cat is resisting, take a break.

• Stay Positive: Keep the experience positive and stress-free to build a routine that your cat will accept over time.

  
  

Conclusion

Maintaining the dental health of Maine Coon cats is crucial for their overall well-being. As a breed, Maine Coons can be more susceptible to dental issues such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and stomatitis.

If left untreated, these conditions can lead to significant discomfort and serious health complications for your cat. Regular vet check-ups, professional cleanings, and consistent at-home dental care routines are essential to prevent and manage these dental issues. Brushing your cat’s teeth daily with cat-specific toothpaste and using dental treats and toys can help maintain oral hygiene. A balanced diet also plays a vital role in promoting healthy teeth and gums.