How to check your rabbits’ teeth

Overview

• Dental disease is common in rabbits, so checking their teeth regularly is important to ensure you spot any problems early.
• Always hold your rabbit securely on a non-slip surface and be gentle while you check their teeth.
• Never force your rabbit to have their teeth checked if they seem uncomfortable, struggle, flinch, or panic.
• If you notice any signs of a problem, book an appointment with your vet.
• Read more about dental disease in rabbits.

Step-by-step guide to checking your rabbits’ teeth

Step 1 – Check their front teeth

• Hold your rabbit on a non-slip surface, such as a bath mat.
• Gently lift their lips to check their incisors (front teeth).
  • You should see two at the top and two at the bottom*
  • The top two teeth should sit just in front of the bottom two and overlap them by a few millimetres
  • They should all be growing straight - it’s not normal for any of them to be at an angle or overlapping each other by more than a few millimetres (see image)
  • They should be white and smooth

*There are two additional teeth that sit behind the upper incisors called ‘peg teeth’, but you won’t be able to see these as they are tiny.

Step 2 – Check their gums

• They should be salmon pink in colour.
• There shouldn’t be any redness or sores.

Step 3 – Check their back teeth

• You won’t be able to see your rabbits’ back teeth, so instead, gently feel their cheeks and lower jaw on the outside, checking for lumps, heat, or signs of pain.
• Check for other signs of dental disease, including:
  • Wet fur around the mouth
  • A white sticky discharge from the eyes
  • Reduced appetite
  • Reduced grooming
  • Being quieter than normal

If you notice any problems, book an appointment with your vet.

Healthy vs overgrown teeth

FAQs

Published: Sept 2022