When caring for a bearded dragon, oral health should be prioritized. Plaque can accumulate on the teeth without regular brushing and maintenance, leading to periodontal disease. This can cause your pet discomfort and even pain, making it difficult to eat.
To make matters worse, poor oral health can lead to other health problems such as internal infections. For these reasons, it’s critical to have your bearded dragon’s teeth cleaned on a regular basis and to keep an eye out for any signs of dental disease.
Cleaning a bearded dragon’s teeth does not have to be difficult; simply using a mild solution and a cotton swab or brush can help keep your pet’s mouth clean. Giving your pet dental stones or chew toys can also help them maintain good oral hygiene and keep their teeth clean. Regular veterinarian visits are also recommended to ensure your bearded dragon’s oral health is in tip-top shape.
What You'll Learn
Importance of Oral Health for Bearded Dragons
Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health
Poor oral hygiene can cause a variety of health issues, including periodontal disease, which causes pain and infection. Periodontal bacteria can spread throughout the body, potentially affecting the respiratory system, digestive system, and other organs. This can even result in death in extreme cases.
Signs of Poor Oral Health in Bearded Dragons
Difficulty eating or chewing, swelling or discoloration of the gums, and visible tartar buildup are all signs of poor oral health. Other symptoms include a loss of appetite and excessive saliva as a result of pain. If you notice any of these symptoms in your bearded dragon, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible for an examination and diagnosis.
Brushing Techniques for Bearded Dragons
[su_box title=”What You’ll Learn” box_color=”#5a5a5a”]
- Bearded dragon brushing techniques are an important part of maintaining their oral health.
- Moisten a small cotton ball with water and gently wipe around the teeth and gums to clean their teeth.
- A Q-tip soaked in dilute chlorhexidine solution should also be swabbed along both sides of the teeth/gums, up and down.
[/su_box]
Types of Brushes
A soft-bristled toothbrush is generally the best choice for cleaning your bearded dragon’s teeth, but we prefer to use something as simple as a cotton ball (we will go into that technique in the next section). You can also use a Q-tip dipped in water to reach harder-to-reach areas.
How to Brush Bearded Dragon Teeth
Moisten a small cotton ball with water and gently wipe around your bearded dragon’s teeth and gums to clean them. Be gentle to avoid causing any discomfort to your dragon. You can also use brushes designed specifically for cleaning reptile teeth.
Frequency of Brushing
Brushing frequency is an important aspect of maintaining your bearded dragon’s oral health. Brushing your dragon’s teeth at least 1-2 times per week is recommended to keep them healthy. This, however, may differ depending on your dragon’s diet, lifestyle, and dental health. Brushing should be increased to every 1-2 days if your bearded dragon shows signs of poor oral health or tartar buildup.
Precautions and Considerations for Cleaning Bearded Dragon Teeth
[su_box title=”What You’ll Learn” box_color=”#5a5a5a”]
- When cleaning your bearded dragon’s teeth, take precautions and keep your bearded dragon’s safety in mind.
- Make sure you understand their behavior, as brushing their teeth may cause stress or fear in some dragons.
- It is recommended that you visit your veterinarian on a regular basis in order to detect any problems early on and provide appropriate treatment.
[/su_box]
Understanding Bearded Dragon Behavior
Understanding the behavior of bearded dragons is essential for providing proper oral hygiene care. Bearded dragons may puff up and open their mouth wide when threatened. This could mean they are stressed and don’t want to be handled or bothered. Paying attention to these behaviors can assist you in better understanding your dragon and determining when it is best to provide oral hygiene care.
Safety Measures
When it comes to safety measure, it really boils down to three things:
- Bearded dragons are easily startled and can react unexpectedly if threatened. This is why it is critical to approach them gently and calmly.
- Cleaning their teeth with a cotton ball is a safe and effective way to reduce plaque buildup without harming the bearded dragon.
- Human toothpaste is toxic to bearded dragons and should never be used.
Don’t startle your dragon and be gentle when cleaning their teeth. If you get these things right, it should be a smooth and safe process.
Importance of Gentle Cleaning
When cleaning your bearded dragon’s teeth, be gentle. Because bearded dragons have delicate mouths and sensitive teeth, brushing their teeth too hard can cause pain and discomfort.
If your bearded dragon shows signs of distress while brushing their teeth, stop and restart when they have calmed down.
Alternative Methods for Maintaining Oral Health
[su_box title=”What You’ll Learn” box_color=”#5a5a5a”]
- There are alternative methods for maintaining oral health in bearded dragons.
- Dental stones and chew toys are excellent for keeping their teeth clean and gums healthy.
- Dental stones act as an abrasive, assisting in the removal of plaque and tartar from their teeth.
- Chew toys can also help wear down plaque and tartar while also providing entertainment for the bearded dragon.
- These methods do not replace brushing, but they can be used in conjunction with it.
[/su_box]
Dental Stones and Chew Toys
Dental stones and chew toys can help bearded dragons maintain good oral health. They aid in the removal of plaque and the development of strong jaw muscles. Dental stones are small, round rocks that are designed to fit inside the mouth of a bearded dragon. They are typically made of a rough material that, as your dragon chews on them, helps to scrub away plaque and tartar buildup.
Chew toys are also a good option because they help to keep the teeth clean and the jaw muscles active. Toys that are safe for your dragon, such as those made of non-toxic materials like cotton rope or rubber, should be chosen.
However, it is important to note that these methods should not be used in place of regular brushing, as brushing is still the most effective way to maintain your dragon’s oral health.
Regular Veterinarian Checkups
Regular veterinarian visits are essential for keeping your bearded dragon healthy. While brushing your teeth on a regular basis is recommended, it is also important to have a periodic checkup performed by a qualified veterinarian.
During these visits, the vet will examine your bearded dragon’s mouth and teeth for signs of disease or infection. They can also advise you on how to best care for your pet and, if necessary, prescribe medications.
Regular checkups will help ensure that your bearded dragon’s oral health is optimal, which can help prevent more serious health problems in the future.
[su_box title=”Things to Remember” box_color=”#5a5a5a”]
- Bearded dragons’ oral health is important because poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease and other health problems.
- The relationship between bearded dragon oral health and overall health must be understood.
- Symptoms of poor oral health can include difficulty eating, obvious pain and gum swelling.
- Brushing techniques for bearded dragons include using a moistened cotton ball or specialized brush and a Q-tip soaked in dilute chlorhexidine solution.
- Brushing should be done gently at least 1-2 times per week, with frequency adjusted according to the dragon’s dental health.
[/su_box]
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
