Hamster Dental Care Tools

A hamster's teeth never stop growing. Hamsters continually need to gnaw and chew on suitable objects in order to keep their teeth at a healthy, manageable length. Because teeth are one of a hamster's most important assets, dental care is critical to ensure a happy, robust hamster.

  1. Wood Chews or Branches

    • Tools for a hamster's dental care don't have to be expensive or hard to find. A branch of oak, walnut or apple added to a hamster's cage provides hours of productive gnawing and natural tooth trimming for a hamster. Note: Never give your hamster branches from apricot, cedar, cherry or peach trees, as these woods are toxic to small animals.

    Fingernail Clippers

    • Overgrown teeth in a hamster can be trimmed using a pair of fingernail clippers. Many people don't feel confident enough to trim their pet hamster's teeth using this method and often rely on a veterinarian to do the trimming. However, it is possible to trim hamster teeth with fingernail clippers, as long as the fleshy parts of the hamster's tongue, cheeks and lips are kept carefully out of the way.

    Hard biscuits

    • Another important tool in the hamster tooth-care arsenal is an ample supply of hard biscuits. Many hamster experts advise giving hamsters dog biscuits to nibble on. Dog biscuits not only help trim down teeth, but also supply much-needed calcium for the long-term health of a hamster's teeth. Alternatively, pet supply stores offer a wide array of flavorful hamster biscuits, treats and chews.

    Gloves for Physical Inspection or Extractions

    • Occasionally, hamsters should have their teeth visually inspected for infection, trimming needs, cavities and loose teeth. Always wear gloves to do this and pull the skin back and away from the hamster's teeth for better viewing or for trimming teeth with clippers. Obvious loose teeth can be removed with a gentle tug, and gloves help prevent infection in both the hamster and you.

    Calcium in Milk or Cheese

    • One simple, easy-to-find tool important to the care of hamster teeth is a small bowl of milk or a bit of cheese. Milk and cheese supply calcium that a hamster needs to maintain strong teeth. A hamster that does not get enough calcium in its diet will have teeth that break easily and can be prone to cavities.

    A Good Veterinarian

    • As a hamster ages, it becomes increasingly prone to teeth problems. Overlapping, broken or caries-ridden teeth can interfere with a hamster's ability to eat, drink or maintain the length of its teeth through constant gnawing. Be sure to take your hamster to the vet regularly so he or she may check your pets oral health.