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Rabbit Dental Scaling

Dental health is essential for rabbits. Overgrown teeth, tartar buildup, and mouth pain can seriously affect their ability to eat and stay healthy.
  • Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously throughout their lives.
  • Without proper wear, teeth may overgrow, causing pain and eating difficulties.
  • Dental scaling removes plaque, tartar, and sharp spurs from teeth.
  • Regular dental care prevents abscesses, mouth infections, and weight loss.
rabbit dental scaling

Why Does My Rabbit Need Dental Scaling?

Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits have teeth that never stop growing. In the wild, chewing on hay, grass, and bark naturally files them down. In captivity, however, diets often lack enough fibrous material, causing uneven wear. This leads to sharp edges (spurs) on the molars, which can cut the cheeks or tongue. Plaque and tartar may also build up on incisors and molars, eventually causing gum disease, abscesses, and pain. Genetics also play a role—some rabbits have naturally misaligned jaws, making dental problems more likely.

Types of Rabbit Dental Problems

Overgrown Incisors

The front teeth (incisors) grow too long when not worn down properly. Rabbits may struggle to bite vegetables, hay, or pellets. Teeth may curl into the mouth or press into the lips, causing injuries.

Molar Spurs

Sharp edges form on the back teeth (molars). Spurs can cut the tongue or cheeks, leading to ulcers and infections. Commonly seen in rabbits with diets low in hay.

Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Soft food diets allow plaque to accumulate. Over time, this hardens into tartar, leading to gum irritation and bad breath.
Tartar increases the risk of periodontal (gum) disease.

Malocclusion

A misalignment of the teeth, often genetic. Causes teeth to grow unevenly, worsening spurs and overgrowth. Severe cases may require repeated dental trimming or extraction.
rabbit dental scaling

Symptoms of Rabbit Dental Problems

Drooling (Slobbers)

Wet fur around the chin or neck caused by excess saliva from mouth pain.

Weight Loss

Chronic dental issues lead to poor food intake and rapid weight loss.

Difficulty Chewing

Slow chewing, dropping food, or grinding teeth in pain.

Loss of Appetite

Rabbits may refuse hay or hard foods but nibble on soft treats.

Eye Discharge or Swelling

 Dental root infections press on tear ducts, causing watery eyes.

Behavioral Changes

Rabbits hide more, seem restless, or grind their teeth audibly from discomfort.

Rabbit Vet Service

Surgery

Soft Tissue Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Castration, Spay, Caesarean Section

Blood Test

In-house lab for quick results.

Diagnosis

Accurate assessments to guide effective treatment.

Hospitalization

Comfortable ward for recovery and observation.

Home Care Support

Guidance for recovery at home.

Dentistry

Professional cleaning and dental care for pets.

Wound Treatment

From minor cuts to major injuries.

Vaccination

Protection against common diseases.

Vaccination

Protection against common diseases.

Digestive Care

Solutions for vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.

Neutering

Safe procedures with fast recovery.

Urinalysis

Detect urinary and kidney problems early.

Rabbit Vaccination FAQ

Because their teeth grow continuously, tartar and spurs often develop. Dental scaling removes these problems, preventing pain and infections.

Some rabbits need it every 3–6 months, depending on their diet and jaw structure. Others with good diets may never need scaling.

No. It is done under anesthesia, so rabbits don’t feel pain. Afterward, mild soreness may occur but recovery is quick.

Your rabbit may stop eating, lose weight, and develop abscesses or severe infections. In serious cases, untreated dental disease can be fatal.

Yes, with a high-hay diet, chew toys, and regular check-ups. Hay naturally wears down teeth, reducing the need for frequent scaling.

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