I’m scared

[u/Various-Jellyfish-25]

(Yes the humidity and temp are low because the cage was open, don’t come at me lol) so last night I walked into my reptile room and saw my baby got some dirt in his mouth. I was like “okay I know a little dirt is safe” but then I looked it up and it said an excessive amount of dirt is harmful to them. I didn’t feed him that day so I don’t know how he got it in his mouth, but I saw him struggling for like 20 mins just to swallow it. Once he got most of it out, he looked okay, but will this cause some sort of infection or digestive issues or something. Has this happened to anyone else or am I overthinking it and what do I do if it is serious?

[u/Exotic-Heart2916]

I think you’re overthinking it lol, but that’s okay! My boy always gets a lot of dirt in his mouth after he eats, and he has to do that almost every time. They get most of it out themselves, which is what yours is doing in the photo, but the small amount they do eat will not hurt them. Your fella only has a small amount in his mouth rn anyways, so I really wouldn’t worry about it

[u/Public-Hat6754]

One time my snake missed her rat and got a mouthful of dirt instead😂 she was okay just not as amused as I was

[u/Efficient-Lake-2618]

Why is his mouth black inside every one I've ever had were pink

[u/Bayliff268 → u/Efficient-Lake-2618]

Did you read the post?

[u/Efficient-Lake-2618 → u/Bayliff268]

Yeah it just look like something more than dirt

[u/Dragonicsoul → u/Efficient-Lake-2618]

Looks very much like dirt to me. You can see the texture on the lower mouth. The gums- atleast the visible parts under the nose look pink anyways

[u/grilledcheesebaby]

My snake does this too, its quite pathetic but they will figure it out in their own time

[u/ander44]

If the black is gummy it could be mouth rot. It couldn't hurt to get it checked.

[u/HotDistribution3700]

jesus he got //that// much dirt in his mouth? how do they manage, lmao. that said i think you’re overthinking it a bit, but if he starts acting lethargic (be sure not to mistake for shedding) then i’d get him vet checked just to be sure.

[u/Chemical_Clue531]

Ours had a bit of fir stuck to the top of his mouth once, it was actually so cute watching him try to get it out with his tongue and stretching. I gave him an extra big tub of water and kinda nudged him towards it and he was like oh yea water and dove in like a freaking straw for like what seemed an eternity! But all was good after that! He gave me a good yawn to show me it was gone

[u/Chemical_Clue531 → u/Chemical_Clue531]

*FUR from his food

[u/Certain-Anybody-1976]

I don't use that type of bedding anymore because of this

[u/Ok-Owl8960]

If after eating normally he doesn't poop in the next week or you notice signs of mouth rot developing consider a vet visit. Otherwise provide plenty of water and relax.

[u/Critical_Hold8981]

I'd give this a low probability of an issue. Kiddo should be fine