Dental disease is a very common health condition that guinea pigs can develop, particularly in their older years. There are many contributing factors to dental disease, some of which include poor diet with low fibre, Vitamin C deficiency, genetics, and trauma. 

Some signs that your guinea pig may have dental disease include weight loss, change in appetite, drooling or excessive salivation, or inability to chew food effectively.

What to do if you suspect your guinea pig has dental disease: 

The first thing you need to do is book an appointment with your cavy-savvy veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to examine your guinea pigs teeth (front incisors as well as back cheek teeth/molars) and assess if there are any abnormalities. A light anaesthesia may be required to facilitate a thorough examination of the cheek teeth at the back of the mouth. 

Often guinea pigs with dental disease require a specialised dental procedure under general anaesthesia to correct the length and angle of the overgrown teeth. If moderate to severe dental disease is present, a surgical correction is required, otherwise the guinea pig will still be mechanically unable to chew food and eat properly. 

Pain Relief

Dental disease can become very painful for guinea pigs, especially if ulcers have established on the tongue and cheeks. Pain relief is extremely important when treating dental disease. It not only keeps your guinea pig more comfortable, but also encourages eating when they otherwise would refuse. Your veterinarian will be able to prescribe an adequate pain relief for your guinea pig. 

Commence assisted feeding: 

If you have noticed weightloss or reduced appetite, it's important to supplement your guinea pigs diet with a high fibre and nutrient dense food, such as Burgess Dual Care or Oxbow Critical Care. This is particularly important if your guinea pig has stopped eating completely as they may go into a metabolic condition known as Gut Stasis which can become life threatening. Guinea pigs spend a large portion of their day eating, and require consistent dietary fibre to ensure the gastrointestinal tract and microbiome remains balanced and moving. 

Cut or grate vegetables into smaller pieces for Guinea Pig

If your guinea pig is having difficulty grasping or chewing hard or large pieces of food, it may be helpful to grate vegetables or cut them into smaller pieces to allow for easier mastication. Some vegetables that can be easily grated include capsicum, carrot, cucumber, celery, and zuccini. 

Increase dietary Vitamin C 

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in dental health, keeping gums healthy and reduces tooth mobility. It is important to ensure your guinea pig meets their dietary vitamin C everyday, however even more so when they are unwell. Feeding a good quality pellet rich in Vitamin C, such as Burgess Guinea Pig Pellets  is recommended. It is also important to feed more Vitamin C rich vegetables such as red capsicum, parsley, spinach, kale and broccoli.