Mouth

Dental Malocclusions

Dental Malocclusions : There are 3 classifications of malocclusions which are commonly referred to as malocclusion class 1, 2 and 3. Class 1 malocclusions occur when the bite is straight but the teeth are crowded, crooked or turned. In class 1 malocclusions, the upper and lower teeth will line up, which is not seen in classes 2 and 3. Class 2 malocclusions occur when the upper teeth extend out past the lower teeth, or in other words, when the jaw is over bitten. Class 3 malocclusions occur when the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth, or in other words, when the jaw is under bitten. Class 1 malocclusions can be corrected through pulling the kitten teeth at 3 months old. By doing this, the new teeth are given an un-guided path when they begin to grow in. Class 2 and 3 malocclusions, when seen in kittens, can sometimes re-align as the kitten matures, forming a straight "scissor bite" by about 7 months old. We have seen this happen in kittens that were over bitten and under bitten by 3/4 of an inch! However, class 2 and 3 re-alignment is rare and to keep a kitten with a class 2 or 3 malocclusion can be a huge gamble if you are looking to show or breed the kitten. There is no way to predict whether or not the bite will straighten out and to assume it will rectify by 7 months old is not an accurate way of thinking.

What We're Doing to Prevent Dental Malocclusions : Perhaps one of the most challenging goals to accomplish is to breed kittens with perfectly straight bites. Dentition in cats can be hereditary, which means that lines that carry poor dentition will most likely pass the flawed jaw line or crooked tooth pattern to their offspring. With this in mind, we do not keep Exotics with poor dentition and only breed cats with perfect scissor bites. In rare circumstances we will keep a kitten from our own breeding who has a class 1 malocclusion but we will also have the kitten teeth pulled in hopes of creating a perfect "scissor bite." If the dental procedure is efficient in correcting the misaligned teeth, then we do move forward with that kitten and do keep him or her for our breeding program. However, if the pulled teeth grow back into a misaligned bite, then the kitten is not kept for our breeding and showing program. Also, if you are interested in cat doors, https://petsneedit.com/best-cat-doors/ website will help you to choose.  

How Can I Prevent Dental Malocclusions : If you are an exhibitor or breeder, my best recommendation to you is to watch the bites of the cats and kittens you bring into your cattery. Keep only those that have straight bites and pull kitten teeth when class 1 malocclusions are present.Do not gamble on class 2 or 3 malocclusions and make sure that the cats and kittens you buy have straight bites. Ask your breeder to guarantee the dentition of any out crossed Exotics and do not settle for less.

If you are a pet Exotic owner, you can have the kitten teeth pulled for class 1 malocclusions but most of the time it is unnecessary. A mouth of crooked teeth, although cosmetically un-attractive, will rarely be seen without opening the Exotic's mouth and will usually not create dental problems for the Exotic later in life. For class 2 and 3 malocclusions, there is nothing that can be done to correct the misaligned jaw, but as mentioned before, the jaw could correct in alignment by 7 months of age. As with class 1 malocclusions, class 2 and 3 malocclusions usually do not cause harm or discomfort to the Exotic and are not an issue to be worried over. However, if your Exotic appears to have trouble eating or jaw grinding is heard when the Exotic eats, have a veterinarian check the jaw to see if the bite will present a problem. In rare cases poor dentition can cause problems but selective tooth removal can correct even those situations.

Teeth

Dental Decay

Dental Decay : Like humans, Exotics can get tartar and plaque buildup that can lead to Gingivitis. With the mouth of the Exotic being oval and wide, food easily collects in the back corners of the jaw and this increases the risk of dental decay.

What We're Doing to Prevent Dental Decay : Although we would like to brush the teeth of our Exotics daily, time does not permit us to do so. We do, however, find time to brush our Exotic's teeth once a week. We also feed dry food, rather than wet food, which helps to remove unwanted tartar and plaque from the Exotic's teeth. Dry food is able to de-scale the unwanted tartar and plaque due to it's hard nature, whereas wet food cannot accomplish this task because it is soft and pliable. We do not provide our Exotics with cat Greenies as they have been shown to create adverse reactions when ingested by cats, but our Exotics do receive regular dental scalings to remove plaque and tartar buildup

How Can I Prevent Dental Decay : If you have time, brush your Exotic's teeth daily. Petsmart and Petco sell kitty toothbrushes with meat flavored toothpaste to make the task less difficult. If time does not permit a daily brushing, brush your Exotic's teeth weekly. Do not feed wet food and only feed dry, which will help to de-scale the plaque and tartar from the Exotic's teeth. If your Exotic's breath starts to smell or the teeth begging to yellow, take your Exotic in for a dental cleaning. Any veterinarian can perform a dental cleaning although prices do vary by office and the procedure is the same no matter what veterinarian you choose. Regardless of odor and color, mark your calendar for your Exotic's 5th birthday and have your Exotic's teeth cleaned by that date. At absolute least this should be done, as dental decay can be a huge problem if not prevented early on.