How do I know if my chinchilla has teeth problems?
Bumpy swellings may be palpable especially along the lower jaw when an owner runs a hand over the jaw from front to back. Even before they show these obvious abnormalities, chinchillas affected with dental problems may simply drool more, eat slower, select out softer or easier to chew foods, or eat less overall.
What does malocclusion mean in dentistry?
Malocclusion is defined by the Dental Practice Board as meaning ‘an abnormal occlusion in which teeth are not in a normal position in relation to adjacent teeth in the same jaw and/or the opposing teeth when the jaws are closed’.
Why are my chinchillas teeth white?
The teeth are covered by a hard layer of enamel made up of calcium, iron, phosphorous and other trace minerals. The normal tooth colour is dark yellow/orange – pale teeth are a sign of calcium deficiency.
What happens if you don’t fix a malocclusion?
If you don’t correct your malocclusion, you may experience yet another problem—tooth decay. When your teeth don’t fit together properly, it can be harder to maintain good oral hygiene.
Can malocclusion be fixed?
Treatment of Malocclusions Malocclusions can be treated with the help of braces. Panoramic x-rays, visual examinations and bite impressions of the entire mouth are taken before deciding on the suitable treatment. In case of overcrowding, an extraction may be the best way to re-align the teeth.
What color should my chinchillas teeth be?
Chinchillas can be prone to dental problems. Unless they have inherited them from their parents, dental problems are usually due to a poor diet or even an inappropriate environment. You will only be able to easily see your chinchilas’ front set of teeth, known as the incisors. These should be dark orange in colour.
What happens if a chinchilla has bad teeth?
Overgrown teeth can cause serious problems for a chinchilla, including pain, infection (when skin or gums have been damaged), inability to chew, and inability to swallow. The animal may become unable or unwilling to eat. Overgrown teeth that have been left without treatment have caused deaths in chinchillas.
How often do Chinchillas need their front teeth extracted?
Some chinchillas require such frequent teeth filing that extraction of the abnormal teeth is a better option. Occasionally a chinchilla may need all four front teeth (incisors) extracted because they grow in at such abnormal angles and require filing every few weeks.
Can a chinchilla live without its incisors?
Fortunately, most chinchillas do quite well without any incisors. Some chinchillas have had all their cheek teeth removed and do well. The single most important thing you can do to prevent teeth problems is to restrict the amount of pellets your chinchilla eats to ensure that it chews enough timothy hay to wear down the teeth.
What should I do if my Chinchilla has overgrown molars?
A common sign of overgrown molars in chinchillas is hypersalivation, problems with swallowing and problems chewing. Chinchilla keepers can learn how to trim the incisors of their pet, but it is advisable to let a veterinarian or skilled chinchilla breeder show you exactly how to do it, since improper trimming can be both painful and damaging.
Overgrown teeth can cause serious problems for a chinchilla, including pain, infection (when skin or gums have been damaged), inability to chew, and inability to swallow. The animal may become unable or unwilling to eat. Overgrown teeth that have been left without treatment have caused deaths in chinchillas.
What’s the best way to trim a chinchilla’s teeth?
Especially when this is completed by a professional. Two methods are most common when it comes to trimming a chinchilla’s teeth. The first would require the use of dog nail trimmers, but this can easily split the tooth. The second would be using a Dremel to grind the tooth off.
How big are the incisors of a chinchilla?
Chinchillas’ front teeth that are also referred to as the incisors can grow up to 3 inches per year. Clearly, this backs my claims and reemphasizes the importance of allowing your chinchilla to always file down, chew, and grind their teeth as often as possible.
Why do chinchillas not grind their food properly?
Since chinchillas have teeth that constantly grow, there is always a risk that at some point the teeth will not align properly, and either the roots will overgrow into the eye sockets or lower jaw bone, or the teeth themselves will become so misaligned that they can no longer grind food.
