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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
Dental disease is less common in guinea-pigs than in rabbits or chinchillas, but probably more common than in other rodents.
Dental disease is less common in guinea-pigs than in rabbits or chinchillas, but probably more common than in other rodents.
:The crowns of the cheek teeth are almost level with the gingiva.
:The crowns of the cheek teeth are almost level with the gingiva.
==Incisor overgrowth==
==Incisor Overgrowth==
Primary incisor overgrowth is rare.
Primary incisor overgrowth is rare. When it occurs, it is usually '''secondary to cheek tooth overgrowth or facial trauma'''.
==Cheek Tooth Overgrowth==
This is the most common form of dental disease in guinea-pigs. It usually occurs due to '''inadequate provision of abrasive feed and inadequate cheek tooth wear''', which leads to overgrowth.
==Cheek tooth overgrowth==
This is the most common form of dental disease in guinea-pigs.
It usually occurs due to '''inadequate provision of abrasive feed and inadequate cheek tooth wear''', which leads to overgrowth.
An association has been found between cheek tooth overgrowth and '''vitamin C deficiency''', which leads to collagen defects and tipping of the teeth.
An association has been found between cheek tooth overgrowth and '''vitamin C deficiency''', which leads to collagen defects and tipping of the teeth.
Problems caused by cheek tooth overgrowth include:
Problems caused by cheek tooth overgrowth include:
:'''Tongue entrapment''' by the mandibular cheek teeth
:'''Tongue entrapment''' by the mandibular cheek teeth
:'''Lacerations''' of the buccal mucosa due to sharp dental points on the teeth
:'''Lacerations''' of the buccal mucosa due to sharp dental points on the teeth
:Overgrowth, abnormal wear patterns and malocclusion of the '''incisor teeth'''
:Overgrowth, abnormal wear patterns and malocclusion of the '''incisor teeth'''
:Apical overgrowth of the cheek teeth with '''perforation of the alveolar bone'''
:Apical overgrowth of the cheek teeth with '''perforation of the alveolar bone'''
===Clinical signs===
===Clinical Signs===
Common signs include: '''anorexia, salivation, moist cervical dermatitis, slanted or abnormal incisors'''
Common signs include: '''anorexia, salivation, moist cervical dermatitis, slanted or abnormal incisors'''
As guinea-pigs are usually presented when the disease is advanced, '''prognosis is usually poor''' and the condition will be difficult to control even with regular dental care.
As guinea-pigs are usually presented when the disease is advanced, '''prognosis is usually poor''' and the condition will be difficult to control even with regular dental care.
{{Learning
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Small Mammals Q&A 04]]
|flashcards = [[Small Mammals Q&A 04]]
}}
}}
==References==
Mitchell, M. (2009) '''Manual of exotic pet practice''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
Mitchell, M. (2009) '''Manual of exotic pet practice''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
Rosenthal, K. (2008) '''Rapid review of exotic animal medicine and husbandry''' ''Manson Publishing''
Rosenthal, K. (2008) '''Rapid review of exotic animal medicine and husbandry''' ''Manson Publishing''
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[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]
[[Category:Rodent - Alimentary System]]