Evaluating health of teeth?

[Jenn]

I know the basics about teeth care - that they need an orangey color to them and that they need to chew on wood, etc, to keep the incisors from getting too long. But how do you know if they are too long? I want to be proactive in Tink's teeth care, and don't want to wait until there is a big problem. I have a difficult time looking in Tink's mouth, but I've seen that they are a nice orangey color. Are periodic vet appts. best to determine tooth health, or how can I tell if they need to be grinded down. Thanks!

 

[BenD188]

I'm also curious about this..

Since your on the topic of teeth, I had another question. (not trying to steal your thread, just didn't want to start a whole new one). Is there some kind of trick you all use to check their teeth? I find it's difficult and I'm hoping someone knows of a good way to check them.

 

[Brittney]

I work at a vet office, but I'm not 100% sure exactly how to tell, I was actually wondering the same thing today. I know in order to look at the molars, they use an instrument kinda like a dentist would use, but they stick it down next to their cheeks and pull back slightly so they can see the reflection to see if they are lined up properly or not.. But, they know what they are looking for. He also said, teeth are at a normal length if you cant see any of the front teeth or just a slight amount of it sticking out from their "lips"... don't know if that makes since. can't really sleep and I gotta "get up" in 3 hours. uhg.:tired:

Anywho. When I do go into work all groggy like tomorrow, I can ask since I am curious also. I know not everyone can bring their chin to work and get them checked out when they are slightly concerned, so I will TRY to figure out for you tomorrow if my workload isn't too overloaded.:thumbsup:

Also, I just grab Bryson and look at his teeth, don't see any way around it really. He kicks and squirms, but I get a good look to make sure they are orange, and lined up properly. What I do is have my mom hold him like you would for a hair ring check, and I take his little cheeks where his whiskers are and pull back slightly and the same time pulling his lower lip down. They hate it, but hey, it's better than having to have their teeth sanded

 

[ticklechin]

It takes two to look in a chins mouth with a otoscope and even then you only get a glimpse and a rough idea of the condition. Chin needs to be put under with gas for a good look at the rear cheek teeth, the usual culprits of points.

 

[Jenn]

So, at home we can check for front teeth...if we don't see them protruding then they're not too long?

Back teeth need to be checked by vet...should we schedule yearly checks?

 

[ticklechin]

Unless there are symptoms there is no need for yearly dental exams, not worth the small risk of putting a chin under gas just to look. Overgrown front teeth can produce drooling along with other symptoms than chins with dental issues have, a vet can trim them without the chin being put under, never clip front teeth, they need to be trimmed with a dental drill.

 

[AZChins]

My vets always said they liked to clip the teeth in the front because the side to side motion of grinding can loosen the front teeth and potentially cause abscesses. What would be the benefit of grinding them?

 

[Brittney]

I would recommend it, yes. I asked today and he said you need to check at home the way I mentioned (in the hair ring check position) and just pull their cheeks back and make sure they are a good color and line up well. And yes, as long as you provide many things to chew on and his teeth are not showing, then he is keeping them at a good length. But yes, they can only see so much of the molars by checking with the mirror, so if you are really concerned, take him to the vet to check, but it does involve anesthesia to check, so only make it a yearly thing at most.

 

[ticklechin]

Using a manual tool like a toe nail clippers or the equivalent can crack or shatter teeth, the use of a dental drill will not. Most vet dentists will tell you that also.

 

[ticklechin]

To clarify, when I say drill I do not mean a dremmel type tool, I mean a high speed handpiece. There are some vets who will use the side nose cutter but even they admit the risk of vetical fractures.

 

[AZChins]

I agree, you should have a check up on the teeth if you can. On a monthly basis feel your chinchilla's jaws and checkbones for bumps and lumps that feel abnormal.

My vet has been able to look at the back teeth without anesthesia several times. I wonder if that's just because he's good with chins or maybe we've had him check up on exceptionally mellow chins? Brittney...send me your vet's info and I can put him up on my website as a good vet for people to call if they need him.

 

[ticklechin]

I am not saying you cannot see cheek teeth with a otoscope, you can get a idea if the chin has clinical malo, you cannot get a good view of the rear cheek teeth with it, even on mellow chins points can be missed and chins misdiagnosed with no teeth issues. The only true way of getting a view of all the dentition is by putting the chin under.

 

[AZChins]

Most of the time the vets have diagnosed tooth problems that weren't there. I have had some real problems with vets not knowing what they were doing or looking at.

The vet I use now, Dr. Samuels is very good with them. I believe you are in Tucson, so he may be a good vet to try if you have issues with your chins.

 

[Jenn]

I think I am mostly concerned about being proactive and making sure I don't let Tink's front teeth get too long. I had a hamster die recently, and after death I was able to get a good look at his teeth. He never chewed on any of the sticks or toys I gave him, and his front teeth seemed long and ragged. It got me thinking about healthy chin teeth. Tink constantly chews on wood sticks, but even with good chew toys, can their front teeth still get too long? Drooling and pawing at the mouth would be signs of this? Tink will occasionally paw at her mouth, but not regularly, and there is definately no drooling. She might be just grooming. I know it can be stressful to take a chin to the vet, but at the same time, I don't want a small problem to become big. I don't see any teeth protruding, so I guess as long as she isn't drooling or excessively pawing at her mouth, then she should be fine? She is 4 now - I have had her for a year. I don't think her previous owner ever took her to the vet. Would it still be a good idea to proactively take them every few years for a dental check?

And I think what Ticklechin means by a drill would be a dental drill. Not something we would find at the hardware store. My chin barely lets me catch a glimpse of her teeth, and would certainly never let me do any clipping or drilling!

 

[ticklechin]

I use a veterinary dentist when needed, I am not located in AZ but your referal may help someone else.

As far as Jenn's question, during routine vet visits the vet will usually check front teeth for you. If she chews toys like a beaver I personally would not worry too much.

 

[Jenn]

Thank you!