We Asked a Vet About Dental Health in Rabbits: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that rabbits have teeth that keep growing throughout their lives? These teeth can grow up to 12 centimetres per year. 

In their natural habitat, wild rabbits adeptly manage this continuous growth by chewing on twigs and consuming coarse hay and other vegetation. This natural behaviour plays a vital role in naturally wearing down the crowns of their teeth, preventing overgrowth. 

However, in the domestic setting, they don’t get to do that a lot. Dental issues, a lot of times, are the root(pun intended) of health issues in rabbits and so it is important to learn about it. 

Understanding Your Rabbit’s Teeth Structure

Let’s take a closer look at the basic structure of a rabbit’s teeth. Rabbits have a total of 28 teeth, which are called radicular hypsodont teeth. This mouthful of a term simply means that their teeth grow continuously throughout their entire life.

Within a rabbit’s mouth, you’ll find four types of teeth: incisors, peg teeth, premolars, and molars.

The incisors are the most prominent teeth at the front of their mouth, with two upper incisors and two lower incisors. These long, sharp teeth are perfect for biting and cutting through vegetation. 

Just behind the upper incisors, you’ll find the two small incisors called peg teeth. 

When a rabbit’s lower incisors slide upward between the upper incisors and peg teeth, it creates a grinding action. This helps to keep both sets of teeth properly aligned and maintained and prevents any excessive growth.

Moving toward the back of the mouth, there are premolars and molars, also known as cheek teeth. These teeth have a flatter surface and work together to grind and chew food into a digestible mash. 

Chewing with their cheek teeth in a horizontal motion helps rabbits keep their teeth properly filed down and prevents overgrowth and dental problems.

Common Dental Problems in Rabbits

Malocclusion:

Malocclusion, also known as teeth misalignment, happens when the teeth fail to line up properly. It can happen with the front teeth (incisors), back teeth (molars), or sometimes both.

When a rabbit’s incisors become misaligned, they can start to overgrow, posing significant challenges with eating. 

Not only does this make it difficult for them to bite and chew their food effectively, but it can also cause discomfort and injury to the delicate tissues inside their mouth.

In extreme cases, the teeth can become so excessively long that the rabbit is unable to eat at all. 

Molar misalignment, however, is harder to detect because the molar teeth are located further back in the mouth and are harder to assess without specialized equipment. 

Treatment Options for Malocclusion:

  • Dental Trimming: In mild cases of malocclusion, regular dental trimming can help manage overgrown or misaligned incisors in rabbits.

    A veterinarian uses specialized dental tools, such as dental files or dental burrs, to carefully file down the excess length or correct misalignment of the incisors. This restores proper tooth shape and alignment.
  • Tooth Extraction: In more severe cases of malocclusion, when dental trimming alone is not enough to manage the misalignment or overgrowth, tooth extraction may be necessary. This involves removing the affected teeth under anaesthesia to alleviate pain and restore proper alignment.

Molar Spurs

Misaligned molars in rabbits can result in the formation of sharp points known as spurs. 

During chewing, these spurs can cut into the delicate tissues inside the rabbit’s mouth, and cause injuries to the gums, tongue and cheeks.

These Molar spurs are of two types: buccal spurs (sharp edges towards the cheek region ) & lingual spurs ( the sharp edges formed at the tongue site ). 

Regardless of the type, Molar spurs can interfere with the rabbit’s ability to eat and can lead to pain, reduced appetite, and potential complications such as infections, GI Stasis and abscesses in more serious instances.

Treatment Option for Molar Spurs:

Molar spurs can be treated through a procedure called dental filling. A veterinarian uses dental files or dental burrs to carefully grind down the sharp edges of the molars.

This process is performed under anaesthesia and it restores a smooth surface, alleviates discomfort and prevents further damage to the mouth tissues.

Dental Abscesses

An abscess is the formation of pus that occurs as a response to an infection.

Primary causes of dental abscesses include improper diet, trauma, or the natural tendency of a rabbit’s teeth to grow continuously. 

If their teeth do not wear down properly, it can lead to overgrown teeth, which can cause injuries inside the mouth, leading to infections and abscesses.

This can create an entry point for bacteria, which can then lead to an infection. If the infection persists and spreads, it can result in the formation of an abscess which is a swollen, pus-filled pocket. Proper veterinary care is necessary to diagnose and treat abscesses in rabbits.

Treatment Options for Dental Abscesses:

  • Dental extraction: If the abscess is caused by a severely infected tooth, the tooth may need to be extracted. To ensure that the abscess doesn’t come back, complete surgical removal is the most effective option.

    The veterinarian may prescribe medications, including antibiotics, to combat bacterial infections and manage pain during the recovery process.
  • Using Antibiotics & Antiseptic: When an abscess is difficult to remove through surgery because of its location or other factors, this alternative treatment can be used.

    In such cases, the abscess is opened, thoroughly cleaned, and treated with an antiseptic solution. This procedure is performed under anaesthesia. Another option is the periodic injection of antibiotics directly into the wall of the abscess. These approaches effectively treat the abscess and contribute to the healing process.

What Leads to Dental Problems in Rabbits?

Dental problems in rabbits, such as malocclusion and overgrown teeth, can be attributed to several factors:

  • Dietary Causes: Insufficient roughage and fibre in the diet can lead to inadequate chewing on fibrous foods in pet rabbits, resulting in malocclusion and tooth overgrowth.
  • Trauma or Injury: Accidents, falls, or chewing hard objects can cause tooth fractures or damage the teeth or gums, potentially leading to further dental complications.
  • Genetic Predisposition: Some rabbits inherit jaw or tooth abnormalities that make them more susceptible to dental issues.
  • Mandibular Joint Issues: As noted by Dr. Abhisehk, problems with the mandibular joint can cause rabbits to gnaw in a specific manner, leading to the formation of dental spurs.

Recognizing Signs of Dental Problems in Rabbits

Here are some signs to watch out for that may indicate dental issues in your furry friend:

  • Changes in Eating Habits: Keep an eye out for reduced appetite, reluctance to eat, or dropping food while eating. Additionally, if your rabbit shows a preference for soft foods and avoids harder foods, it could be a sign of dental issues.
  • Weight Loss: The pain caused by dental issues can make it difficult for rabbits to consume an adequate amount of food, leading to weight loss. Monitoring your rabbit’s weight and body condition can help you identify potential dental concerns.
  • Facial Asymmetry: “Bulging eyes and an asymmetrical face shape can indicate an abscess caused by dental issues.”, says Dr, Abhishek. This asymmetry is formed because of facial swelling on one side where abscesses have developed.
  • Excessive Drooling or Wet Chin: Wet fur around the chin area can be a sign of pain or discomfort caused by dental problems. Rabbits may produce excessive saliva when their teeth or mouth are affected.

Dental problems in rabbits require medical intervention so it is always a good idea to reach out to a veterinarian as early as possible.   

Maintaining Healthy Rabbit Teeth: Care and Prevention

Besides feeding them a healthy diet, regularly checking their teeth at home is an essential part of their dental care. By keeping an eye on their teeth, you can catch any potential issues early on and take necessary action.

Now, let’s explore a few simple steps to ensure your rabbit’s dental health remains in excellent condition and prevent any dental problems along the way.

  • Healthy Diet: A healthy diet for your rabbit should include a generous amount of high-quality hay(prefer timothy or alfalfa), fresh vegetables, and a small portion of pelleted food.

    Hay is especially important as it not only provides essential nutrients and fibre but also helps naturally wear down teeth due to its rough texture.
  • Encourage Chewing: Say goodbye to furniture casualties and instead offer your bunnies safe and appropriate chew toys. Chew toys made from untreated wood, apple branches, or specially designed rabbit chew toys can satisfy their natural chewing instincts and prevent overgrowth.
  • Vet Visits: Dr Abhishek recommends that a healthy rabbit should undergo a full physical and oral examination every six months to identify any developing dental issues.

    Those with a history of dental problems should have an oral examination every three months for burring and shaping of spurs, as these issues tend to recur in most rabbits once they have occurred.
  • Teeth Inspection: Take a close look at their incisors and check for any irregularities, such as overgrowth or misalignment. Don’t forget to check their gums too; healthy gums should be pink in colour. If you notice redness or discolouration, it could indicate inflammation.

While examining their teeth, also keep an eye out for signs of discomfort. If your rabbit flinches or grinds their teeth, it might be a sign of pain or sensitivity.

  • Observing External Indicators: When it comes to the cheek teeth or molars, they’re not easily visible without specialized equipment. But don’t worry, there are external signs you can observe to identify if your rabbit is experiencing issues with their molars. Look out for signs like drooling, unpleasant mouth odour, swelling, or weight loss. These indicators can help you identify potential dental problems and prompt you to seek professional care.

To wrap it up, taking care of your rabbit’s teeth is essential for their overall well-being. By knowing about common dental problems and being proactive with prevention, you can keep your bunny’s pearly whites in the best shape and give them the dental care they deserve.