White teeth?

[jadzianpatrick]

I've had my Syrian hammie, Patrick, for just over a year and he's always been a happy healthy hammie! On our very few visits the vet (like once when he had a bite, so he had to take antibiotics, and another when I was worried about his tooth before) the vet has always commented on how wonderfully healthy and tame he is!

As I've said, we've been to the vet before because I was worried once when his tooth chipped. But his tooth grew back evenly afterwards and it was white at first but went yellowy not long after so I wasn't worried.

Admittedly I haven't been health checking him enough as of late but this morning I noticed he has really white bottom teeth! and I doubt he's chipped both his bottom teeth entirely off.
I know that this is bad and that the tooth should just fall off on its own but I'm a worrier and I also
know that he could get a mouth infection if if doesn't!

So how long should I leave it until I take him to the vet? And are there any signs I should look out for?

[Nancy's Hamsters]

It is not totally impossible he broke both bottom teeth to be honest. He could have broke one bottom tooth and because the other tooth had no support could have broken when he chewed on anything hard in his food or bars or bowl etc.

If he is eating normal and chewing things as normal I would just keep a good eye out to see if they don't turn yellow in a bit of time. If he is not eating normal then I would suggest a trip back to the Vets to rule out any problems with the two teeth..

[Jenibelle]

I'm sorry to hijack your thread, but it's made me wonder... And seeing as the questions are related I figured it would be beneficial to ask her.

Are white teeth bad?
I've noticed my hamsters teeth when he yawns and they are white. I've had him for nearly 3 weeks now.

[jadzianpatrick]

Originally Posted by Jenibelle

I'm sorry to hijack your thread, but it's made me wonder... And seeing as the questions are related I figured it would be beneficial to ask her.

Are white teeth bad?
I've noticed my hamsters teeth when he yawns and they are white. I've had him for nearly 3 weeks now.

White teeth usually signal a problem in older hamsters. When they are young they have white teeth but as they grow up they get yellow! So depending on the age of your hammie determines whether or not it's a problem. Also has your hammie always had white teeth?

White teeth basically are the equivalent of black teeth for us.

[jadzianpatrick]

Originally Posted by Nancy's Hamsters

It is not totally impossible he broke both bottom teeth to be honest. He could have broke one bottom tooth and because the other tooth had no support could have broken when he chewed on anything hard in his food or bars or bowl etc.

If he is eating normal and chewing things as normal I would just keep a good eye out to see if they don't turn yellow in a bit of time. If he is not eating normal then I would suggest a trip back to the Vets to rule out any problems with the two teeth..

At the moment he seems to be eating as usual, he's also completely fine otherwise and I've taken him to the vet before just for them to say "oh keep an eye on it" so I'd rather avoid having to pay for the appointment if they're just going to tell me to keep an eye on it again! So I'll carry on watching what he eats and keep an eye on his teeth.

He does chew his bars, I'm thinking about finding him a glass cage instead, as my other hammie is in a glass cage and she's perfectly content.

Thank you

[Jenibelle]

Thank you for the explanation!
I've only had him for about 3 weeks. He was from a pet store so I don't know his exact age, but he is small so I assume he's still very young.

Hopefully your hammy is a-okay, I'll keep him in my thoughts!