Why Are Hamsters’ Teeth Yellow?

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Hamsters are beloved pets of many people around the globe. They are fun for people of all ages to interact with, care for, and befriend in general.

If you are the proud owner of a pet hamster, or if you are simply curious about these creatures, you may have found yourself wondering about their teeth, particularly why they are yellow.

The answer to this question and more will be addressed in this article, making it the perfect read for the individual who is curious about hamsters.

Hamster Teeth

This section will cover some basic information about hamster teeth, including why they are not white, but rather yellow or brown instead. Keep reading to become an expert on the subject of hamster chompers.

Always Growing

Hamster teeth are much different from human teeth. Unlike the teeth people have, which fall out once before a new set grows back, hamsters’ teeth keep growing throughout their entire lives, so they have open roots and never lose any of their teeth.

The evolutionary purpose of this is due to the fact that these creatures are required to chew constantly throughout their lives. As a result, if their teeth did not continuously grow, they would be worn down to nothing with the hamster still at a young age, leaving it difficult to eat properly.

Why Are They Yellow?

So, why are hamsters’ teeth yellow (or brown)? The answer is easy: it is simply the color of their tooth enamel.

Hamsters’ tooth enamel grows below their gum line, which assists in the consistent growth of their teeth. It happens to be this yellow color, which actually tends to get darker with age.

Thus, yellow or brown teeth are the norm for hamsters, so this is definitely nothing to be concerned about.

How to Care for Your Hamster’s Teeth

Your hamster’s diet has a large effect on the health and condition of its little chompers, so you should make sure that your hamster is getting the proper sustenance, which includes pellets specifically designed to provide your hamster with the appropriate nutrients, as well as seeds.

It is important to avoid giving your hamster a lot of sugary foods, as this can lead to issues with their teeth, such as dental caries. Of course, some special fruit snacks here and there are something any good pet owner should do to keep a happy hamster, but try not to overdo it if you want to keep their teeth happy, too.

Another way to ensure your hamster has healthy teeth is by placing a wood block or another object that it can safely chew on in its enclosure. This gives your hamster something it can sink its teeth into, as they enjoy doing this.

Finally, if you do happen to notice any problems arising with your hamster’s teeth, make sure you immediately address these issues so they can be handled swiftly before getting worse. Your vet should be able to file your hamster’s teeth, if need be, or do any other such work.

Otherwise Caring for Your Hamster

If you would like some general tips in regards to caring for a pet hamster outside of its dental concerns, you can check out this section. It is an ideal read for those who are just starting out as a hamster parent or are curious about becoming one.

Feeding Your Pet

As was mentioned earlier in the article, hamsters eat seeds and pellets that are made for providing them with the nutrients their bodies need. You can ensure your hamster is eating right if you feed them these pellets.

You can also give them seeds to snack on, as well as various veggies and fruits, such as apples, cucumbers, raisins, and lettuce. An eighth to a third of a cup of pellets should be enough to sustain your little friend.

One thing to consider, however, is your hamster’s stash of food, which it most certainly has somewhere in its enclosure. Keep your eye on its store so that you do not unintentionally overfeed your hamster and so that you can let it finish its stored treats before they go bad.

Housing Your Pet

Ideally, you should pick up an enclosure for your hamster that does not have wire sides or a wire bottom. If your hamster is in a cage with wires, it can end up hurting itself, especially if the enclosure is not spacious enough. Your hamster can end up crawling up the cage and getting hurt upon falling from the top of it.

You should use a lot of deep bedding in their enclosure so they have places to burrow, which will help keep them entertained. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should replace your pet’s bedding every week or so to give them the healthiest, most sanitary home possible.

Finally, one last piece of information you should know is that hamsters benefit from having things to play with in their cage, as well as areas where they can hide away, such as igloos. You can even make your own homemade tunnels for your hamster out of paper towel rolls. The world is your oyster.

Socializing with Your Pet

You should most certainly make a point to bond with your hamster immediately after you bring it home. It is best to regularly let your pet run around outside of its cage—you can create a makeshift enclosure using boxes or other objects, or you could purchase an enclosure designed for small animals.

You can help your hamster get used to your scent by letting it sniff your hand while it is in your lap or on the ground. Hamsters do not have the best sight, so it is a smart idea to somehow announce to your hamster you are about to interact with it by using your voice. You should also approach it slowly and gently so as to avoid startling your pet hamster.

One way to lure in your pet is by using treats, such as the ones mentioned previously. However, remember to keep fruits to a minimum so as to not damage your hamster’s teeth.

Once your pet realizes you are its friend and that you care for and love it, it will begin warming up to you and become more easily approachable. Stay patient, and be consistent in handling your pet for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Hamsters are cute and interesting creatures to have as pets, and their teeth are very distinct, which might even add to their appeal. As you have come to find out, the fact that they are yellow or brown is just a result of the way the enamel looks, and it is not indicative of any underlying dental or health issues.

If you already have a pet hamster, you can rest assured that your pet’s yellow teeth are naturally a part of who it is, and you can expect their yellow or brown chompers to continue growing throughout their lives.

If you are considering getting a hamster, you can find a pet that has the yellowest of teeth without any concern, and you can use the basic care tips above to get your start on being the best hamster parent you can be.

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