Hamsters are popular as pets for children as they are easy to care for and free of health problems.hamsters may suffer from tooth problemsThe rate of growth of a hamster's teeth is balanced by the rate at which they are worn down.If the hamster isn't given the chance to chew on wood or an appropriate diet that wears the teeth down, then they will have problems.
Step 1: There are signs that your hamster isn't eating.
It's difficult for the hamster to eat.The long teeth force the jaws apart, they can grow into the roof of the mouth or pierce the lips, and the jagged edges on the teeth make eating painful.If your hamster's food isn't disappearing like it usually does, it may be due to dental problems.
Step 2: It's not a good idea to assume that food has been eaten.
Since your hamster can store food in its pouch, don't take the disappearance of food from the bowl as proof that it is eating.It is not unusual for hungry hamsters to hide their food in their bed or pack their pouch in order to survive.
Step 3: If your hamster is having difficulty eating or making a mess, it's time to pay attention.
The hamster will probably spill food all over the place if it is having a hard time eating.You should start to suspect that your hamster is having an issue if he is being messier than usual.
Step 4: There is excessive drooling.
There are signs of saliva staining around the mouth and chin of a hamster.It can be difficult to swallow if you have long teeth.The hamster is prone to drooling because they cause pain.
Step 5: Look for ways to lose weight.
If your hamster is losing weight, you should try to determine if it's because it isn't eating.If you think a hamster is losing weight, that can be a sign of dental problems.
Step 6: If there is a foul odor or abscesses on your hamster's head, you should inspect it.
There can be dental issues around the mouth.This will cause the region to swell, which should be different from when your hamster packs its cheeks with food.Infections, such as abscesses, emit a foul odor, so the area may smell bad.
Step 7: There are teeth on the front of the mouth.
The front of the mouth is where the incisors are located.The naked eye can see them.To check the incisor teeth, gently grasp the hamster's scruff so that its lips are drawn back in a "smile."Don't let the hamster get bitten while handling it.Being overly enthusiastic when holding a hamster's scruff can cause its eyes to pop out.If you are unsure, have a vet or vet tech show you what to do.
Step 8: Determine if the front teeth are too long.
The tips of the hamster incisors should come together.You need to make sure the incisors grind against each other.They are at risk of overgrowing if they don't.It can be difficult to determine if the incisors are too long.Imagine if your hamster can open its incisors wide enough to eat a peanut.The teeth are too long if the gap between the incisors isn't enough to pick up a peanut.Also, look for anomalies.Look for teeth that are not straight, such as sticking out to one side.Some hamsters have teeth that point straight into the roof of their mouths.
Step 9: Decide if the molars need to be inspected.
You might need to go to the vet to get the molar teeth checked.If the incisors are free of problems, the risk of molar overgrowth goes down.The hamster with overgrown incisors is at increased risk of problems.If you trim the incisors and the hamster's chin is wet, you should get a vet to check the teeth.
Step 10: Your hamster's front teeth need to be inspected for genetic dental problems.
hamsters have a genetic tendency for their teeth to grow not in perfect alignment, in addition to having dental problems because the teeth are not worn down.The teeth don't wear down against each other like the blades of scissors do.If you spot signs that your hamster's teeth are not straight, you can deal with the issue before it becomes a problem.There are two types of teeth for hamsters: incisors at the front and back of the mouth.The two sets are separated by a large gap.The incisors at the front of the mouth are easy to see, but the back molars are not.A special speculum is used in order to get a good look at a hamster's teeth.
Step 11: Your hamster's teeth should be checked by a vet.
A vet can use the speculum from an otoscope to peer inside the hamster's mouth and check for spurs.This can be difficult if the hamster has recently eaten or has full pouches.If your hamster is unwilling to be looked at and you suspect a problem, the vet may need to tranquilize the animal.
Step 12: Take care of your hamster's teeth.
There are nail clippers that can be used to trim incisors.It's best to have a vet show you how to do it.It can be difficult to hold the hamster.There are special long handled clippers that can be used to clipped overgrown molars.This should be done in a veterinary office.
Step 13: Dental problems can be prevented.
It is better to prevent dental problems in the first place than it is to cure them.Provide your hamster with blocks of wood or a dog biscuit to chew on in order to avoid these problems.It is not a guarantee that giving your hamster access to these things will prevent tooth problems.You need to check your hamster's teeth on a regular basis.