Tooth resorption occurs when odontoclasts, cells that normally dissolve and absorb the roots of baby teeth as the adult teeth erupt, instead attack adult teeth. Q: The veterinarian says my cat has tooth resorption, so I made an appointment for her to have dental X-rays and probably tooth extraction. What can you tell me about this condition?

Understanding the Context

A: Tooth ... Maintaining healthy teeth is obviously important for us, but the same is also true for our cats. Although we may not think about a cat’s dental health quite as often as ours—and attempting to brush ... If your teeth are chipped or break easily, you may suffer from a dental condition called external resorption.

Key Insights

The good news is that with early detection, your dentist can repair your teeth and prevent ... While resorption in adults may cause long-term damage to a permanent tooth, it is a normal developmental process in baby teeth. The baby teeth of all children continue to resorb as they grow up. Resorption of teeth happens when parts of a tooth begin to break down and are absorbed by your body. Injury, teeth grinding, and cavities can all cause this potentially painful condition.

Final Thoughts

Resorption is how your body breaks down and absorbs bone, teeth, and tissue. Learn when it’s normal, when it’s a concern, and how it’s treated. Resorption is a condition that causes you to lose pieces of your teeth. You may lose the outside of your teeth, called external resorption, or the inside of your teeth, called internal...