What do rats use to grind their teeth? - briefly
Rats keep their incisors from overgrowing by constantly gnawing on hard substances such as wood, plastic, metal, or bone. This self‑gnawing provides the necessary abrasion to wear down their teeth.
What do rats use to grind their teeth? - in detail
Rats possess continuously growing incisors that must be worn down to prevent over‑elongation. They achieve this by gnawing on hard or abrasive substances, which create a self‑sharpening edge.
In the wild, rodents chew on:
- Tree bark and twigs
- Seeds and nuts with tough shells
- Roots and underground stems
- Rocks and mineral deposits
These natural materials provide sufficient resistance to wear the enamel while leaving dentin exposed, maintaining the characteristic chisel shape.
Captive animals are offered artificial items that serve the same purpose:
- Untreated cardboard and paper
- Wooden blocks, especially untreated hardwood
- Chew toys made of compressed fibers or natural rope
- Safe plastics such as acrylic or polycarbonate
- Metal bars in cages, provided they are not corroded
The effectiveness of each item depends on hardness (measured by Mohs scale) and texture. Materials with a hardness slightly above that of enamel (≈5 on the Mohs scale) produce optimal wear without causing fractures. Rough surfaces increase abrasion, while overly soft objects fail to stimulate adequate grinding.
Insufficient gnawing leads to malocclusion, difficulty eating, and potential facial injuries. Therefore, a varied selection of appropriate chewing media is essential for dental health, behavioral enrichment, and overall well‑being.