[Lilysmommy]

Hey, I was just wondering, is it important to check your hedgie's mouth periodically to make sure the teeth are all fine and there's nothing abnormal, since there's so much that can go wrong with the teeth and mouth? Or just when you think there might be something wrong (i.e. not eating as much, see a mass on the outside of the mouth)? Also, what are the best methods for checking the inside of a hedgie's mouth without stressing him/her out too much?

 

[Kalandra]

If I have to do a mouth check I typically use a q-tip for them to bite on. The stick portion of a q-tip is soft enough that it doesn't hurt their mouths, and is about perfect size for raising their lips to get a peak inside.

As to frequency. I go through spurts where I check mine more often than others. If I think someone has had a change in eating habits, I'll check their mouths to look for any damage or inflammation. I do try to look at their mouths at least once every couple of weeks anyway.

 

[smhufflepuff]

I think I'm somewhat fortunate in this regard with my hedgie. Typically, when she's getting a bit tuckered out and I hold her so she's in a hedgieball (all curled up in my hand with her back to my palm and tummy facing me), she yawns and sticks her tongue and stretches her left front leg out really far. In addition to appearing absolutely adorable, she gives me an excellent look at all her teeth.

I wonder if yours would do something similar or if that's not really something you can count on happening on its own.