What is dental disease?

There are several types of dental problems that can affect guinea pigs -- overgrown teeth, sharp dental spurs, infected teeth, and dental abscesses are the most common. Unlike dogs and cats (and humans), guinea pigs rarely have a problem with tartar accumulation, cavities, or periodontal disease.

Why do guinea pigs get dental problems?

All 20 teeth in the guinea pig grow continuously throughout their life. In a normal pig, the teeth are worn down during chewing. Both the food and the opposite teeth work to wear down the teeth so that they do not become too long. A significant cause of improper dental wear is not having enough roughage in the diet, especially hay. In other guinea pigs, the teeth do not line up normally -- this is called malocclusion. Malocclusion prevents the teeth from wearing down normally, even when enough roughage is in the diet.

What are the consequences of dental disease?

If the front teeth (the incisors) become too long, this can make it difficult for a guinea pig to pick up food. If the teeth that are deeper inside the mouth (premolars and molars, otherwise known as "cheek teeth") become too long, several problems may occur. Sharp enamel points may form on the edges of the molars and these can cut the cheeks or the tongue, making it very painful for a guinea pig to eat. Sometimes, the lower cheek teeth become so long that they grow sidewise and form a bridge over the tongue, thus preventing the tongue from moving normally and swallowing becomes difficult. Overgrown cheek teeth can also lead to abscess formation in the jawbone.

How are dental problems diagnosed?

Signs of dental problems include a reluctance to eat, preference for soft foods, drooling, grinding teeth, dropping food out of the mouth, and weight loss. By examining a guinea pig, an experienced veterinarian can readily diagnose overgrown teeth and sharp molar points. To look at the cheek teeth, a special instrument with a light must be placed in the mouth. Some guinea pigs do not tolerate this and sedation may be needed. A thorough dental examination with x-rays may be needed in many cases, which requires anesthesia.

How are dental problems treated?

Overgrown teeth need to be trimmed and filed, which will require sedation and anesthesia. Trimming and then smoothing the rough edges with a dental file is usually done every 2-4 months as needed. If x-rays reveal infected teeth or a dental abscess, the infected tissue must be surgically removed. If an infection is suspected, samples are submitted for bacterial culture so that an appropriate antibiotic may be prescribed. Dental abscesses in the guinea pig can be very challenging to treat.

Can dental problems be cured?

In cases where the affected guinea pig has not been offered enough hay in its diet, adding appropriate roughage (timothy or other grass hay) to the diet will help keep the teeth in wear and at their proper lengths. However, most guinea pigs with overgrown teeth will need regular trimming every 2-4 months for the rest of their lives.

Can dental problems be prevented?

Providing hay in the diet on a daily basis may help prevent tooth overgrowth. Continuous access to fresh grass hay, such as timothy, is recommended for most guinea pigs. In cases where overgrowth is due to malocclusion, the best prevention for serious problems is for owners to be vigilant for signs of dental problems and to have the teeth cared for on a regular basis. Guinea pigs with dental problems should probably not be used for breeding.

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