QUARTERLY BEAT / APRIL 2025
REC
PEDIATRIC DENTAL DISORDERS
Michael Balke, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC Arizona Veterinary Dental Specialists, Gilbert, AZ Understanding the nuances of canine and feline pediatric dentition is crucial for identifying and managing dental conditions during the first year of life. This article offers a concise overview of normal pediatric dental development and highlights common abnormalities that general practitioners may encounter. While not exhaustive, it aims to provide a solid foundation in veterinary pediatric dentistry, with a focus on diagnostic approaches and treatment options to support optimal oral health in young patients. EXAMINATION: Every patient, whether young or old, should have a complete oral examination performed at each visit. This can prove challenging in the young patient that resists oral manipulation. A systematic approach should be employed to look at the lips, dentition, palate and soft tissues. In order to recognize abnormalities, one must first know what is normal. The following are the normal dental formulas for the dog and cat, eruptions times and normal/abnormal occlusion classes:.
In this VETgirl Webinar “Pediatric Dental Disorders” presented live on February 5, 2025, Dr. Michael Balke reviews the normals and abnormals of pediatric dentistry! In case you missed the webinar, check it out HERE or take a look at the cliff notes below!
APPROXIMATE ERUPTION TIMES* (WIGGS AND LOBPRISE)
DOG
PRIMARY (WEEKS)
ADULT (MONTHS)
Incisors
3–5
3–5
Canines
3–6
3.5–6
Premolars
4–10
3.5–6
Molars
N/A
3.5–7
PRIMARY DOG DENTAL FORMULA
CAT
PRIMARY (WEEKS)
ADULT (MONTHS)
2 x (i 3/3, c 1/1, p 3/3) = 28
Incisors
3–5
3–5
SECONDARY (ADULT) DOG DENTAL FORMULA
Canines
2 x (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 4/4, M 2/3) = 42
3–6
3.5–6
Premolars
4–10
3.5–6
PRIMARY FELINE DENTAL FORMULA
Molars
N/A
3.5–7
2 x (i 3/3, c 1/1, p 3/2) = 26
* Eruption times can be quite varied based on size of the breed and characteristics within the breed (ex. Tibetan terriers are slow to lose primary teeth). OCCLUSION CLASSES: Occlusion is defined as the contact of the maxillary teeth with those in the mandible. Occlusion may be classified into three general categories: deciduous only, mixed (deciduous and permanent), and permanent only.
SECONDARY (ADULT) FELINE DENTAL FORMULA
2 x (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 3/2, M 1/1) = 30
10
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