Random Tooth Loss? - Need Tips/Opinions

littlekitty3

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My 8 year old ocicat female seems to have lost her bottom right canine out of the blue. She is an indoor kitty that lives with two other cats and two dogs. She has always been pretty healthy, except that throughout most of her life she's had issues with regurgitating her food (she tends to eat too fast). She seems to be uncomfortable right now, as she keeps flicking the empty spot and blocking it from her top incisor with her tongue. I'm pretty sure it must have just fallen out today as she was not behaving this way yesterday. I'll be honest, we do not brush our cats' teeth (I'm only home for this week on break from college so I don't have much control over that habit).

I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips on how I might make her more comfortable, and if a vet trip is necessary tomorrow. She is getting older and the constant regurgitation probably hasn't helped her teeth, but I also worry about dental disease. My family is going through rough times financially so a vet trip would not be ideal, but I'd find a way to get her checked out if it means preventing worse health issues in the future.

Thanks for the help!
 

miss mew

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First I'd like to welcome you to TCS!

I really would recommend a visit to your vet.  If the tooth fell out or broke off and she continues to be in discomfort, perhaps there is gum disease or infection behind it all.  In my experience it's best to stay on top of dental issues early. 

I also don't brush our cats teeth.  I should have started when they were little but now I'd probably loose a limb trying!


Hopefully the vet is able to shed some light on the issue and help your girl feeling better.
 

furmonster mom

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Personally, I wouldn't procrastinate on the vet visit.  Dental issues are no joke.

If the tooth is broken, it is likely very painful, as the tooth nerves would be exposed.

If it has fallen out completely, then you may have an issue of periodontal disease.

Either way, you will most likely have an issue of infection. 

Infections in the mouth can become much more serious if not addressed quickly.  The blood vessels in the mouth are very thin and close to the surface, so any kind of bad bacteria has easy access to the bloodstream, a superhighway to the rest of the body.  There is a specific issue with periodontal disease infections traveling to the heart and wreaking havoc there.  

Scrape up what you can. At the very least, get her in for some antibiotics and pain meds until you are able to afford the necessary procedure.  But DO get the procedure as soon as possible.

Also, see my quick notes on dental procedures.

Also.... Ocicats rule. 
 
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