# Overgrown Teeth in Rabbits UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-overgrown-teeth-uk): Overgrown Teeth in Rabbits UK — Quick answer. Rabbit teeth never stop growing. Without constant hay chewing, teeth overgrow into painful spikes — causing drooling, weight loss, and gut stasis. Feed 85%+ hay, watch appetite daily, and see a rabbit-savvy vet for dental checks. Never clip teeth at home.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-overgrown-teeth-uk): Overgrown Teeth in Rabbits UK — How rabbit teeth work. According to the RWAF and RSPCA, rabbits have open-rooted teeth that grow continuously — up to 2–3 mm per week for incisors. Normal wear comes from grinding coarse hay and grass. When wear is uneven or insufficient, problems develop: - Sharp spikes (spurs) on cheek teeth lacerate tongue and cheeks - Overgrown incisors meet incorrectly (malocclusion) - Tooth root elongation presses into jaw and sinuses — causing runny eyes and abscesses Dental pain makes rabbits stop eating, which quickly triggers gut stasis — a separate emergency. See Rabbit gut stasis UK.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-overgrown-teeth-uk): Overgrown Teeth in Rabbits UK — Signs of dental disease. According to PDSA, rabbits are prey animals and hide pain until disease is advanced. Watch for: - Reduced appetite — leaving favourite foods; not eating hay - Dropping food from the mouth while chewing - Weight loss — feel ribs and spine regularly - Wet fur on chin and chest ("slobbers" / ptyalism) - Runny eyes — tooth root impinging on tear duct - Nasal discharge — often one-sided from sinus infection - Fewer or misshapen droppings - Bad breath - Facial swelling — abscess under jaw or around eyes Any combination warrants a rabbit-savvy vet the same week — sooner if not eating.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-overgrown-teeth-uk): Overgrown Teeth in Rabbits UK — Causes of overgrown teeth in UK rabbits. Insufficient hay (most common) According to the RWAF, the single biggest cause is not eating enough hay. Muesli mixes, excessive pellets, and soft treats do not provide adequate wear. Rabbits selectively eat sugary pieces and leave hay. ### Breed and genetics Some breeds — especially small lop-eared rabbits — have congenital malocclusion. Teeth never align correctly regardless of diet. ### Age and injury Trauma to jaw or teeth, or age-related changes, can disrupt normal grinding. ### Underlying disease Kidney disease and other illnesses reduce appetite and chewing time.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-overgrown-teeth-uk