Teeth Problems

The incisor (front, gnawing) teeth grow continuously for the life of the hamster (this is true for all rodents). They receive continuous wear as the uppers and lowers contact each other, preventing overgrowth. Misalignment of either the upper or lower incisors because of previous injury, abscess formation of malnutrition may result in overgrowth of one or more of the teeth.

Overgrown incisor teeth usually cause serious injury to the roof of the mouth. Sometimes the lower incisors actually grow through the roof of the mouth and into the nasal cavity! Initial signs of this problem are inappetence and drooling.

Total lack of eating, weight loss, and a foul odor from the mouth may be noted later. These signs often are completely overlooked. A veterinarian must carefully trim the overgrown incisors and extract them from the roof of the mouth.

Antibiotics are prescribed because of the high probability of infection following this type of injury. Periodic trimming of the incisors is usually necessary for the remainder of the hamster's life.

Some popular hamster houses made of plastic had holes in the horizontal and vertical tubes originating from the main rectangular enclosure. Hamsters frequently caught and broke their incisors in these holes in the plastic. The holes have since been made smaller by the manufacturer, and this injury is seen less frequently now.

Hamsters The Essential Guide - The essential care and feeding of your pet hamster.