One of the most unsupported myths regarding ferrets is that if you give them bones to eat, they will fracture their teeth on them. Broken teeth in wild carnivores and domesticated dogs are cited as proof it will happen to pet ferrets. Unfortunately, citing such fracture rates in wild animals or dogs as proof for any single causative factor is extremely bad science; how do you know the tooth was broken while eating bone and not from a fall, defensive damage, while catching prey, playing, fighting with others for mates or territory, or just running into something? You don t, and this study doesn t support the hypothesis, nor does modern research. As already discussed, tooth fracture rates are correlated to the age of the animal. Simply saying a tooth was broken while chewing on a bone MAY be accurate in terms of what caused the immediate problem, but in the vast majority of cases, the fracture was the result of accumulated damage and the immediate cause was just the straw that broke the ferret s tooth. In this study, a careful examination of each broken tooth showed a pattern of micro-fractures, enamel damage, and wear, all suggesting the tooth fractured because of accumulated injury. The important thing to note is that pet ferrets that do not typically eat bone have a tooth fracture rate of 30%, yet feral New Zealand ferrets that do consume bone have a tooth fracture rate less than 1/6th of that amount. It doesn t take a rocket scientist to realize the danger of a ferret breaking a tooth on a bone is minor compared to the risk of fracturing a tooth while being caged and eating kibble. This doesn t mean a pet ferret will never break a tooth on a bone, but it does illustrate the danger is exaggerated compared to the risks of everyday life. Periodontal disease is probably not much of a factor in causing a broken tooth although it is possible a loose tooth can shift in the socket during a forceful bite and fracture. The two main culprits are probably cage biting and diet-associated tooth wear. Cage biting not only wears away the surfaces of the tooth to form a wire-sized notch, it also causes tiny fractures to form in the enamel and dentine, significantly weakening the tooth. Abnormal dental wear, such as that caused from eating kibble, will wear the tooth down, and as a result fractures will form in the enamel. It also changes how the teeth strike each other, increasing mechanical stress on parts of the tooth not designed to withstand the pressure. Pet ferrets are also at high risk of accidental facial injury (kicks, falls, etc.), which commonly fractures teeth, especially the canines. If your ferret has fractures a tooth, any tooth and any type of fracture, they need to see a vet and have the tooth x-rayed. Fractured teeth can be repaired, although I am sure the cost is similar to human dental repair. Generally speaking, any fracture into a pulp chamber is serious. The pulp chamber contains blood and lymph vessels, and a somewhat sensitive nerve. When exposed, it is open to bacterial invasion and ultimately the pulp chamber will become infected and die. Unfortunately, the tooth will become quite painful during that process and the infection can spread inside the jaw to cause other serious, even fatal, problems. There is no reason why a ferret should have to withstand that type of pain when it can be diminished or quelled. Fractures through the enamel and into the dentine do not allow bacteria direct entry to the pulp chamber, but bacteria CAN enter via microscopic dental tubules. This can lead to a long-term smoldering infection in the pulp chamber that can ultimately claim the tooth, or even the life of the ferret. Any pink or tan colored tooth should be inspected by a vet for infections in the pulp chamber. The tooth can become very sensitive; so painful that the ferret may stop eating. Even minor fractures to the enamel should be x-rayed because they could extend deep into the tooth. After the tooth is inspected and x-rayed and the damage is documented, repairs can be made, the tooth can be smoothed, and analgesics can be administered. But it all starts by taking the ferret to the vet. In the next installment, I will summarize this series. Bob C Questions?: [log in to unmask] Communications? [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 4520]