When people imagine reptile teeth, many automatically think of snakes with sharp fangs. The reality is that reptile teeth are more complex and varied than most people imagine. Various species have different diets, and their teeth reflect this. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about a pet reptile’s teeth, so you can help care for them appropriately.
1. There Are Different Types of Reptile Teeth
Reptile’s teeth are very similar in composition to mammals. They contain enamel, dentin, and cementum. However, unlike mammals, reptiles don’t have tooth sockets. There are also three main categories of reptile teeth, including:
- Acrodont. This type of tooth is fused to the reptile’s jaw. Many lizards, including chameleons, bearded dragons, and water dragons, have acrodont teeth. It’s crucial to note that they can’t replace lost teeth if they drop out.
- Pleurodont. Most snakes and certain lizard species, like monitor lizards, have pleurodont teeth. These are sharper and more incisive than acrodont teeth. Furthermore, reptiles can regrow pleurodont teeth if they shed them. Pleurodont teeth are on the inner side of the jawbone.
- Thecodont. Very few pet reptiles have thecodont teeth. Only crocodilians like caimans, alligators, and crocodiles possess them. These lizards prefer gripping and tearing rather than chewing their prey, unlike other species. It’s extremely difficult to get permits to keep pet crocodilians because of the dangers their teeth present.
2. Many Dental Diseases Affect Pet Reptiles
Reptiles can suffer from a variety of teeth and mouth diseases. Here are some of the most common:
Mouth Rot, Which Can Result from High Humidity
A poor diet or incorrect humidity can trigger mouth rot. This causes bleeding gums and swelling. Some reptiles may display yellowish plaque on their gums. It’s a painful condition that may require surgery in serious cases. Vets may also prescribe creams or antibiotics to combat mouth rot.
Poor Nutrition Can Cause Periodontal Disease
Incorrect nutrition or infections can cause periodontal disease. In short, it’s a bacterial infection. There may be loose or missing teeth, and the reptile could have swollen gums. Their breath may also be unpleasant. Vets will prescribe antibiotics or perform surgery in progressed cases.
Tartar Build-up Can Affect Lizards
This is common in bearded dragons and other lizards with incorrect diets. If they eat too many soft foods, they may suffer tartar build-up. It can progress to gum infections. Teeth cleaning or antibiotics can help deal with tartar build-up in pet reptiles.
3. You Can Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy
There are a few ways to help keep pet reptile teeth healthy. First, ensure that you’re providing your pet with the correct diet. If their food is too soft (or missing key nutrients), it can affect their teeth. Reptiles need plenty of calcium for healthy teeth, so try dusting their food with nutrient powders to ensure they get proper supplements. You can also provide hard chew toys that help them to wear down their teeth. Bearded dragons and iguanas need these if they have softer diets. They also provide stimulation for the lizards, which can work to improve their mood and promote their quality of life.
4. Most Reptiles with Razor-Sharp Teeth Aren’t Pets
Reptiles with sharp teeth aren’t generally kept as pets. For example, Nile crocodiles have incredibly sharp teeth that tear through their prey. They also have the strongest bite force in the reptile kingdom with a ludicrous 5,000 psi! However, Komodo dragons also have a savage bite because they have serrated iron-rich teeth. The high iron content turns the edges of their teeth orange, too.
Needless to say, it’s very unlikely that most people would keep one of these tremendous creatures as pets. Monitor lizards, tokay geckos, and tegus are some of the most common pet reptiles with very sharp teeth. Owners should handle these lizards with care. Don’t make sudden movements if you’re handling your lizard because their bite can hurt! Some snakes also have very sharp teeth, including different species of pythons. New owners should do their research before bringing one of these home.
5. Some Pet Reptiles Have Toxic Bites
Some pet reptiles also have toxic bites, so their owners must exercise caution. Certain snakes have hollow fangs that work like syringes to inject venom. These include various cobras and vipers. Again, we advise doing your research before getting a toxic pet, so you understand how to react if you suffer a snake bite. There are also rear-fanged species like the hognose snake. They must chew on their prey before they pass their venom. Most lizards don’t have venomous teeth, but some do have toxins in their saliva.
Several varieties of monitor lizards have this ability. Gila monsters and Mexican beaded lizards have special grooved teeth that can cause nausea in humans. However, it’s illegal to keep these larger lizards as pets in the United States. Remember, some states and jurisdictions strictly regulate the ownership of toxic snakes or lizards, so always check that you’re not breaking the law!
6. Some Turtles Have a Strong Bite
Turtles are unique in the Animal Kingdom because they don’t have teeth. Instead, they possess powerful jaws or beaks that allow for a crushing bite. Some species also have razor-sharp ridges inside their mouths. These serve a similar purpose as teeth, but they don’t have the same composition. Baby turtles have a single long protrusion that helps them breach their shell. Owners should still take care, because some species have a ferocious bite!
