Dental care for hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice and gerbils

Do you know what makes your little critter so unique? Her teeth – and all the chewing she does with them! It's no surprise that the name "rodent" comes from "rodere," a Latin word that means to gnaw. Read on to find out how to keep your pet's teeth in tip-top condition.

Chewing is healthy

Wonder why your pet is always gnawing on something? Her front incisor teeth, like those of all mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs, grow continuously throughout her life. The average rat's incisors, for example, grow at the amazing rate of around five inches every year. Another thing you may have noticed about your pet is that her choppers aren't exactly pearly white. It's perfectly normal and perfectly healthy for a companion rodent's teeth to be yellowy-orange or almost brownish in color. This hue is due to the presence of iron in the tooth's enamel.

To keep her teeth properly worn down and maintain their sharp shape, your furry friend has to chew... and chew... and chew! You can help her simply by providing safe, appropriate items on which she can gnaw. You'll find a good selection of chew toys, made from a variety of materials from wood to cardboard, at the pet supply store.

Small bits of hard dog biscuit can be given to hamsters, rats and mice for chewing, but please don't give any of these to your herbivorous guinea pigs. Be sure to regularly check your pet's chew toys for any loose bits that could get stuck in her throat if accidentally ingested.

No matter the species, nothing beats branches and twigs from non-toxic trees that have not been treated with any chemicals. Not only will they help keep your critter's teeth worn down, they'll also give her something fun to do! Do not offer your pet wood from cedar, apricot, cherry, and peach trees, as they are toxic.

If a critter doesn't have enough to gnaw on, however, and her teeth are allowed to become overgrown, major health problems can ensue. Overgrown teeth will start to curve inward like tusks, and can cut into the cheeks and gums and cause abscesses – and even prevent your pet from eating. In extreme cases of neglect, they may grow back into a rodent's face.

Dental care for rodents

If a companion rodent’s teeth are overgrown, the animal must be brought to the veterinarian for trimming. Depending on the extent of the overgrowth, the patient may need to be sedated. This condition is very difficult to reverse, so there is a good chance that the critter will need regular dental care, with trimmings every 6 to 8 weeks. Dental problems in companion rodents can also be caused by an improper diet, so make sure you are providing your rodent with the right foods, amounts and fresh water.

It's a good idea to regularly check your critter's teeth. If you notice any broken, missing or chipped teeth, please contact your veterinarian immediately. And remember, prevention is the best medicine – so break out those chew toys and maintain your pet's dental health!