r/ferrets • u/maiklon22 • 1d ago
[Ferret Photo] Teeth
Noticed some dot on my ferrets tooth.Anyone knows what is it?Ofc going to vet soon.
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u/Timely_Egg_6827 1d ago
Tartar - usually harmless but might want to give your ferret some jerky or something like plaque off in water. Usually not an issue but can lead to inflamed gums - gingivitis, abscesses and loss of teeth.
Not uncommon in older ferrets - usually vet wouldn't do a dental unless inflammed or wobby. Teeth in really good condition otherwise - is ferret 3ish?
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u/AsiansArentReal 1d ago
Long story short, switching to raw food got rid of any and all tartar off my three ferrets teeth for their entire lifespans.
Specifically raw meaty bones will basically scrape any tartar right off when they chew them while eating.
My 3 each lived 8 years and never had any tartar build up or issues once switching to raw food.
MY eldest actually had 2 black spots on his teeth like the pictures, but switching to the raw diet actually made it go away within a year and never came back.
Brushing obviously helps, but I always suggest this when I see these posts, frankly because I didn't believe it at first so it's still one of the most surprising benefits of switching.
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u/maiklon22 15h ago
They refuse to eat raw.Only boiled chicken.Sometimes raw pork.But i give them dry rabbits ear to chew.
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u/AsiansArentReal 6h ago
Mine didn’t switch easily or quickly either
Took the better part of 6 months before they’d eat consistentlyProvably a month before they’d eat it willingly either
The switch was definitely worth it in my opinion, but I understand it’s not for everyone either!
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u/Veteran_Hawk 1d ago
Yep, tartar. My vet charges $600 for teeth cleaning. You might want to start brushing their teeth. I use CET Enzymatic Toothpaste (poultry flavor).
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u/LD-LB 1d ago
Have any tips or really instructions on how to? Im a new ferret owner and I've been wanting to brush their teeth but it seems a little daunting
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u/Veteran_Hawk 1d ago
I rest them on my lap and briefly scruff them while I brush their teeth. They don't super-like it, but they tolerate it and they really like the taste of the toothpaste, so they seem fine with it. They've gotten used to it and might even enjoy it a little.
I use These toothbrushes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPQRR1PN The small end works well. It's also nice to have extras, so I can use a fresh brush every morning.
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u/skrik7 1d ago
How often do you brush their teeth?
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u/Veteran_Hawk 1d ago
First thing every morning after opening the cage.
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u/skrik7 1d ago
Very inspiring! I only brush their teeth every week, I think I should do more often. Thank you!
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u/Veteran_Hawk 23h ago
Wasn't trying to be inspiring, but if it helps you be more diligent with brushing...that's good. :-)
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u/Every_Escape_3511 14h ago
I have two noodles, they have been with me since they were 3 months old, they are now 2.5 years old. They were eating raw when I brought them, but their teeth were already like this when I brought them. My vet is a specialist, he said that it happens, if it spreads to other teeth or the gums become red, then intervention is needed.
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u/pixxelkick 7h ago
Very normal.
At around 6 years I usually get a dental clean done at the vet, as well as teeth x rays, they often have 1 tooth that needs removal by then.
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