Why Do Rats Need Their Teeth Trimmed?

Your pet rat may need to have her teeth trimmed on a regular basis. Overgrown teeth can rub against other teeth, causing painful sores. If you notice this, you should visit your veterinarian. In some cases, misaligned teeth may also lead to oral abscesses, which can damage the rat’s epidermis. In these cases, a veterinarian may decide to open the abscess and extract the infected tooth. A soft diet is recommended while the abscess heals.

When you trim a rat’s teeth, you should be aware of the risks and benefits of the procedure. Since rats have narrow incisors, trimming them will not damage the gums and surrounding soft tissue. Nevertheless, it can cause a sore mouth that may necessitate a saline rinse.

Overgrown teeth in rats are not uncommon. This can lead to the animal being unable to eat properly and eventually starving to death. Regular trimmings can prevent such a situation. If you’re unsure of how to trim your rat’s teeth, consult a veterinarian.

Rats need to gnaw their teeth frequently to keep their front teeth from growing too large. This is essential for their health, but some old rats can lose their chewing ability. If this occurs, it’s best to feed them a soft diet, and trim the teeth every few weeks.