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FAQs - What happens when a guinea pig loses a tooth? Three days ago my guinea pig lost both bottom teeth. I cannot tell for sure if they were broken or just fell out. The cavy is still eating hay, drinking water, and I have been giving him pureed carrots. Should I be more concerned, or will the teeth grow back? Does he need to see a veterinarian? Thank you for your help! The tooth may regrow if the root was not damaged. It is not uncommon for a guinea pig to lose its incisors, especially if it incurs any type of trauma to the mouth (for example, falling on its chin). Guinea pig teeth grow continuously, so there is a good chance that your guinea pig's teeth will grow back. The two upper incisors are normally shorter than the two lower ones. One of the problems that can arise when a guinea pig loses its bottom incisors is that the upper ones can get too long and will require cutting or filing more frequently than usual. Most guinea pigs will eat normally even if they lose teeth, as long as the area is not painful. I recommend that your have your guinea pig examined by a veterinarian who has experience with small mammals. You may find a veterinarian specializing in "exotics" through the Yellow Pages or at a local veterinary college. The doctor will examine your guinea pig's mouth to determine if the teeth are fractured and, if so, if there is evidence of a piece of a tooth (the root) left in the gums. Retained roots can be painful for the guinea pig if the remnant is loose in the socket. The doctor may file the upper teeth if necessary and remove any fractured, loose roots that are present. The veterinarian will also look for infection around the gums and the area where the teeth were lost. Your pet may need medication for pain and antibiotics if infection is present. Guinea pigs don't seem to handle stress very well, and mouth trauma and pain can be stressful to them. You should supplement your guinea pig's diet with vitamin C daily. This can be given in the drinking water and should be fresh daily. If you are not currently giving vitamin C, your doctor will be able to suggest an appropriate dose. Without supplementation, guinea pigs are more prone to getting sick because their immune systems are weakened by stressful events. In time, you should begin to see the lower incisors growing back. If the root of either incisor was fractured (i.e., the part below the gumline), the affected tooth may not grow back. |
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