Rabbit dental problems: signs and what to do

Dental disease is one of the most common and serious health problems in domestic rabbits — and one of the most frequently missed. Because rabbits' back teeth (molars and premolars) are inside the mouth and not visible without specialist equipment, dental disease often progresses significantly before owners notice anything wrong.

Why rabbits get dental disease

Rabbits have continuously growing (hypsodon) teeth — both incisors and molars grow throughout life and are worn down by the grinding action of eating hay. When a rabbit does not eat enough fibrous hay (replaced by pellets, fruit, or vegetables), the teeth are not worn evenly, causing sharp spurs to develop on the molars. These spurs cut into the tongue and cheeks, making eating painful.

Genetics also play a role: dwarf breeds and lop-eared rabbits are particularly prone to dental disease because their shortened skull geometry causes teeth to be misaligned.

Signs of dental problems

- Reduced appetite or selective eating — eating softer foods (vegetables, pellets) but leaving hay
- Weight loss — often gradual and subtle until significant
- Drooling (wet chin or dewlap) — caused by excessive saliva when eating is painful
- Dropping food while chewing (quidding) — partially chewed hay or food falls out of the mouth
- Eye discharge — the roots of the upper molar teeth sit very close to the tear ducts; infected or overgrown roots cause a blocked or infected duct
- Facial abscess or lump along the jaw — a late-stage sign; tooth root abscesses in rabbits are notoriously difficult to treat
- Changes in faecal output — fewer or smaller droppings as food intake decreases

Diagnosis

Dental examination under general anaesthesia is required to properly assess the molars. An initial awake examination can detect incisor problems, but back teeth require a dental scope or CT scan for full assessment.

Treatment

Dental burring (filing down sharp spurs) under general anaesthesia. Frequency: every 6–12 months in affected rabbits. Extractions are sometimes necessary. There is no permanent cure — management is ongoing for rabbits prone to dental disease.

Prevention

The single most effective prevention is ensuring unlimited access to grass hay (Timothy or meadow hay), which provides the necessary grinding action. A rabbit that eats primarily pellets and vegetables will almost certainly develop dental problems.