Many dental and oral diseases in mice and rats can be prevented if certain precautions are taken. Since there are limited treatments for rodent dental disorders, prevention is the best course of action.
The incisors of rodents continue to grow throughout their lifetime and if they are not worn down through regular gnawing or grinding, the teeth may overgrow and result in more serious problems. Coarse vegetable matter or tough fibrous roughage that require extended chewing or grinding will naturally wear down and keep teeth at an appropriate length. These food items should be provided regularly in addition to a nutritionally complete
diet.
Chew toys or hard textured
dental treats can also help promote natural wear of teeth while providing stimulating activity as wells as variety. The teeth of your pet should be examined routinely for abnormalities. Contact your veterinarian if you notice abnormal growth, or if your pet drools, has difficulty chewing, is eating less or shows pain when touched around the mouth or head. If detected early enough, the veterinarian can trim overgrown teeth and more serious problems can be avoided.
Providing a nutritionally balanced diet that includes coarse vegetable matter or tough fibrous roughage is one of the easiest ways to promote natural wear of teeth and good dental and oral health.
