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Not all exotics have problem with their tooth , but chinchilla teeth can be elusive . Chinchillas , like some other exotic pets , have the type of teeth that raise continuously throughout their life . These teeth may periodically require tooth trimming if your chinchilla does n’t outwear them down themselves .
Hypsodont Dentition
herbivore such as rabbits , guinea pigs , and chinchillas have retentive dentition that continuously rise , often requiring tooth trims . These tooth , called hypsodont teeth , have crowns ( the part of the teeth you could see ) that pass a great length beyond the gums . Hypsodont teeth are remarkably long when compared to the teeth of dogs , cats , or humankind . The natural grinding action of chewing on toy , hay , and other food items causes the teeth to stay at an ideal duration in normal herbivores , but many need to have their tooth manually switch off on a regular cornerstone due to health and genetic cistron .
Overgrown Chinchilla Teeth
The incisor , or front tooth , of your Chinchilla laniger , are the easiest to identify when they become overgrown . They will usually raise so long that they begin to curve and stick out between the lips . Once they get too long , they can become stuck on matter , or sorry , rise into the gums or roof of your Chinchilla laniger ’s oral fissure . The molars , or teeth in the back of the rima oris , can also hit inordinate length . molar are difficult to observe without the use of a speculum to look in the back of the back talk , but chinchillas with overgrown molar will commonly hypersalivate and have difficulty chewing and swallowing .
Incisor Tooth Trims
If done right , tooth trims are not painful . There are two vulgar methods used to dress incisors . The first is by using regulardog nail trimmersto trim back the tooth like you would a toenail but with this method , there is a in high spirits risk of cracking or split the teeth because of the force out needed to employ the clippers . This method can stimulate painfulness if the tooth is separate up to the face or is trimmed too short .
The second method is by using a hand-held orbitual tool , like the Dremel , with a cut - off wheel to slice off the redundant tooth . This method causes no injury to the tooth . The only concerns are for trauma to the gums or lips if the wheel circumstantially crop them , or if the tooth is trimmed too short . Many exotic preferred hospitals will perform these tooth trims tattily with a technician or a medico but it should be done with anesthesia .
Molar Tooth Trims
prune molars can be more difficult than trimming incisors . Molars are not as well place as being overgrown , so the favourite is usually already being catch by a veterinarian by this spot . After the veterinarian affirm that the molars are too long , he will recommend anesthesia to in good order trim and file the teeth . With your Chinchilla laniger temporarily incapacitated , a dental bur and handheld dental file are used . This is the ideal method of trimming molars , but owner may have fiscal constraints that restrain them from anesthetizing or sedating their exotic pet .
Owners of chinchillas and other exotic pets with hypsodont teeth must be mindful of the potential knottiness regarding their pet ’s tooth . Without proper aid , overgrown teeth can cause serious trauma or anorexia . Thankfully the trouble of overgrown tooth can be managed with unconstipated tooth trims or solved by pull out the problem tooth or teeth . If you take helper with your chinchilla ’s tooth , give your localexotics veta call .
Chinchillas . Merck Veterinary Manual .
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Chinchillas - Heath Conditions . VCA Hospitals .
Chinchillas - Problems . VCA Hospitals .
