{"id":267,"date":"2021-01-12T05:30:51","date_gmt":"2021-01-12T05:30:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamsterpros.com\/?p=267"},"modified":"2021-04-11T21:14:47","modified_gmt":"2021-04-12T01:14:47","slug":"hamster-teeth-care-what-to-look-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamsterpros.com\/hamster-teeth-care-what-to-look-for\/","title":{"rendered":"Hamster Teeth Care &#8211; What to Look for"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Teeth are a defining characteristic of hamsters. After all, they\u2019re rodents &#8212; the very word rodent comes from a Latin word meaning \u201cto gnaw.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Because hamsters rely so heavily on their teeth, it\u2019s important to make sure their mouths stay healthy and strong.<\/strong> We\u2019ll cover what healthy teeth look like, how to maintain your hamster\u2019s health, and common dental problems in hamsters and their treatments, so you can be the best hamster parent you can be!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Facts_About_Hamster_Teeth\">Facts About Hamster Teeth<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_Do_Healthy_Hamster_Teeth_Look_Like\">What Do Healthy Hamster Teeth Look Like?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Healthy_Hamster_Behavior\">Healthy Hamster Behavior<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_Do_I_Keep_My_Hamsters_Teeth_and_Mouth_Healthy\">How Do I Keep My Hamster\u2019s Teeth and Mouth Healthy?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Chew_Toys_for_Hamsters\">Chew Toys for Hamsters<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Common_Tooth_and_Mouth_Problems_in_Hamsters\">Common Tooth and Mouth Problems in Hamsters<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Overgrown_Hamster_Teeth\">Overgrown Hamster Teeth<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Misshapen_or_Broken_Hamster_Teeth\">Misshapen or Broken Hamster Teeth<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Infected_Gums_and_Teeth_in_Hamsters\">Infected Gums and Teeth in Hamsters<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Common_Treatments_for_Hamster_Dental_Problems\">Common Treatments for Hamster Dental Problems<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Facts_About_Hamster_Teeth\">Facts About Hamster Teeth<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hamsters have one set of teeth that grow throughout their entire life.<\/strong> They must continuously wear their teeth down to maintain a manageable length.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Many herbivores, including hamsters, have <em>hypsodont<\/em> teeth.<\/strong> These are teeth that have high crowns, with enamel extending below the gumline. Their teeth appear long compared to many other pets, but they\u2019re like icebergs &#8212; they\u2019re even longer underneath the gum line!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Unhealthy teeth in hamsters can be dangerous.<\/strong> They can lead to malnutrition, unwanted weight loss, infection, discomfort, and in the most extreme cases, death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"What_Do_Healthy_Hamster_Teeth_Look_Like\">What Do Healthy Hamster Teeth Look Like?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A hamster\u2019s teeth are in good shape when they are a brownish-white, sometimes yellowish-orange color.<\/strong> It is normal for teeth to darken in color as the hamster ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two pairs of incisors, on the top and the bottom. Each pair should be approximately even with one another. The bottom teeth will be slightly longer than the top two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span id=\"Healthy_Hamster_Behavior\">Healthy Hamster Behavior<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Observe your hamster daily to get a sense of its normal routines. <strong>Watch for these healthy behaviors.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Eating normally, with ease<\/li><li>Active, alert and <a href=\"https:\/\/hamsterpros.com\/how-to-keep-a-hamster-entertained\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">playful<\/a>, especially at night<\/li><li>Chewing on provided <a href=\"https:\/\/hamsterpros.com\/best-hamster-chew-toys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chew toys<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If your hamster is doing these things, they most likely have good mouth health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"How_Do_I_Keep_My_Hamsters_Teeth_and_Mouth_Healthy\">How Do I Keep My Hamster\u2019s Teeth and Mouth Healthy?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to regularly observing your hamster to make sure it is comfortable and enjoying its routine, <strong>follow these guidelines for healthy teeth and mouth:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Don\u2019t feed your hamster too much sweet food.<\/li><li>Ensure your hamster is getting enough calcium and vitamin D to avoid calcium deficiency.<\/li><li>Only feed your hamster small chunks of food<\/li><li>Maintain good hydration by providing constant access to <a href=\"https:\/\/hamsterpros.com\/do-hamsters-drink-a-lot-of-water\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">water<\/a><\/li><li>Provide plenty of chew toy options<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><span id=\"Chew_Toys_for_Hamsters\">Chew Toys for Hamsters<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the wild, hamsters constantly chew on items they encounter throughout their environment. <strong>In captivity, pet hamsters greatly benefit from having chew toys in their cages.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Provide wood in different shapes, sizes and hardnesses.<\/strong> Harder wood, such as apple, is especially beneficial. Make sure any wood you give your hamster is untreated and non-toxic. Your best bet is to purchase toys made for chewing from a pet store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Offer your hamster crunchy snacks,<\/strong> such as hard dog biscuits (which are also a great source of calcium); oven-baked hamster treats; or the occasional fresh foods like carrots, celery or apples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Calcium and mineral blocks are another great chew toy.<\/strong> You can attach them to the cage\u2019s side wiring or place them directly in the cage. Your hamster will gnaw delightfully, wearing down its teeth and getting a nice extra dose of vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Common_Tooth_and_Mouth_Problems_in_Hamsters\">Common Tooth and Mouth Problems in Hamsters<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are three prevalent health issues that hamsters encounter &#8212; overgrown teeth, misshapen or broken teeth and infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span id=\"Overgrown_Hamster_Teeth\">Overgrown Hamster Teeth<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is rare to find hamsters with overgrown molars (back teeth). <strong>It is much more common to find overgrown incisors (front teeth).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll be able to tell if your hamster\u2019s incisors are too long. <strong>If they\u2019re sticking outside of the lips, or they\u2019re curving, they will need to be trimmed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If overgrown teeth go untreated, they can turn into dangerous health concerns.<\/strong> They could grow into a hamster\u2019s gums, tongue, or even into the roof of its mouth, even creating a hole connecting to the nasal cavity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Misshapen_or_Broken_Hamster_Teeth\">Misshapen or Broken Hamster Teeth<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Misshapen or broken teeth are most frequently caused by calcium deficiencies, overgrown teeth or birth defects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If your hamster frequently chews on the metal bars of its cage, or other extremely hard materials, they are at risk of breaking their teeth.<\/strong> Try supplying them with more appropriate chew toys and other enrichment activities so they don\u2019t get bored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span id=\"Infected_Gums_and_Teeth_in_Hamsters\">Infected Gums and Teeth in Hamsters<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Food can get stuck in molars and cheek pouches, resulting in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Cavities<\/li><li>Difficulty eating<\/li><li>Swollen jaws<\/li><li>Swollen area around eyes<\/li><li>Unwanted weight loss<\/li><li>Bad breath<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>I<strong>f you notice these symptoms in your hamster, schedule a <a href=\"https:\/\/hamsterpros.com\/veterinary-costs-for-hamsters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">vet <\/a>appointment as soon as possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Common_Treatments_for_Hamster_Dental_Problems\">Common Treatments for Hamster Dental Problems<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For overgrown teeth, your veterinarian will mostly likely perform tooth trimming.<\/strong> For elderly or ill hamsters, this sometimes needs to be done regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For cavities or mouth infections, hamsters may require surgery, antibiotics and painkillers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you always take your hamster to the exotic vet for its annual checkup to make sure it\u2019s in good health!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Teeth are a defining characteristic of hamsters. After all, they\u2019re rodents &#8212; the very word rodent comes from a Latin word meaning \u201cto gnaw.\u201d Because hamsters rely so heavily on their teeth, it\u2019s important to make sure their mouths stay &#8230; <a title=\"Hamster Teeth Care &#8211; What to Look for\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/hamsterpros.com\/hamster-teeth-care-what-to-look-for\/\" aria-label=\"More on Hamster Teeth Care &#8211; What to Look for\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":282,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5,2],"tags":[76],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v16.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Hamster Teeth Care - What to Look for - Hamster Pros<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Strong teeth are key for your hamster&#039;s good health! 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