Hedgehog Teeth Facts- Diseases and Dental Care

Coincidentally, hedgehog teeth are very similar to human teeth structure. Majorly, four diseases including gingivitis, tartar, periodontal disease, and oral tumors are usual in hedgehogs. Multiple signs are there to identify these dental diseases like halitosis, anorexia, bleeding, and pawing emblems on the face. Besides, it is vital to have an appointment with your veteran on time and to have a complete oral dental examination to avoid pain and keep stable health and happy life of your hedgie.

Hedgehog Teeth Facts

• Amazingly, there are 17 species of hedgehogs in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Central Asia. Normally, hedgehogs contain 36 to 44 teeth.
• These mammals replaced their teeth at week 9 and got adult teeth.
• Their teeth are classified into four categories  Canines, Molars, Incisors, and Premolars.
• Hedgehogs have tiny, sharp, cone-shaped front teeth that fall in the Incisors part.
• The next teeth are incisors which comfort them to tear food.
• Their middle teeth are called molars and premolars which help them grind, crush, and juice to ease the digestion of food.
• Like humans, the molars and premolars are collectively known as cheek teeth.

Dental Diseases

The main dental diseases are classified into two categories gingivitis and neoplasms. First gingivitis is a dental issue and many animals usually face it. Additionally, its advanced form converts into periodontitis disease and can lead to tooth loss.  Their treatment is easy in the early stages.

The second neoplasms category is critical to treat as it happens rarely. Knowingly, it’s almost untreatable. This condition can get malevolent as it grows extra cells in the mouth and can cause mouth cancer. These cells are often called scaled cell carcinoma. It’s an ultimate condition but its occurrence is almost infrequent.

Dental Diseases Symptoms

Talking about hedgehog teeth problems there are many symptoms and to track the symptoms the pet owners must examine the teeth by themselves. The reason behind, this is a tiny creature, that can’t speak so you can track any disease through its unusual habits, looks, and habits.

Major symptoms include tartar, calculus, and plaque. Notably, you can see their teeth by softly opening their mouth and you can see brown and black stains or stuff.

Secondly, if you notice a bump on the hedgehog’s face then just take him to veteran on an immediate basis because this bump can further cause severe pain for your pet. As it may be a sign of a life-taking disease or just normal cell growth.

Reasons for Oral Diseases

The stains on the teeth are due to saliva, bacteria, and remains of food particles. The owner should not take this as a small problem because it can make their teeth unhealthy and can enter to throat and to gumline to enter the blood supply of the pet. Therefore, it is the direct way for bacteria to enter all sensitive organs of this small creature.

Secondly, dirty teeth can cause diseases. Especially, if the owner is not taking care of his pet and does not brush his teeth regularly. Undoubtedly, hedgehog dental care is a must task for his owner. Unhealthy and unhygienic environments can cause issues. Thirdly, some foods must be avoided to feed your hedgehogs. They will be discussed further.

Impacts of Dental Diseases

Regular health examinations are necessary for a hedgehog’s life including his dental health. Because having teeth problems can cause avoiding chewing, and eating, and can cause swelling around their small face and jaws. Unfortunately, it directly influences their health, activities, behaviors, and interests.

Cure to Avoid Dental Diseases

As hedgehogs are tiny species you can fit many of their species in your hand so they are extremely sensitive and adorable. Curing through maintaining hygiene is the easiest way to keep them healthy in any way including hedgehog teeth.

• Brushing may become a difficult task but it can be done to clean hedgehogs teeth. But there are other ways to keep dental care in a good and easy way. Noticeably, you can’t use normal human toothpaste and brush. You can use cotton or any soft fabric, or any small brush by applying pet toothpaste.
• Many studies show that crunchy and solid food maintains more hygiene for teeth rather than soft and liquid food. Because crunchy food will prevent tarter expansion and help to keep better hygiene. 
• Conditionally, if your hedgehog has already lost his tooth then you should feed him with wet, soft, or liquid food.
• An important cure is to know when your pet needs to visit a veteran. Its answer is when you notice even a slight swelling around the mouth area and pain then it’s time to take him to the veteran. Here your hedgie needs a dental examination and cleaning process by the hand of a veteran.

Conclusion

According to the above article, the health issues mainly include hedgehog teeth problems. You can cure your pet by choosing the right hygienic food, cleaning brush selection, and visiting veterans regularly. Importantly, pet lovers who are willing to have this sensitive pet must research hedgehoged which has discussed all information covering all aspects of the hedgehog’s life, interests, physical health, and more.