White teeth = degu death, why?

Normally, Degus (a rodent from Chile) have orange teeth. However, many trusted websites and articles have emphasized the fact that white teeth are abnormal and will utlimately lead to the death of Degu. So, obviously the white teeth are not the culprit, but some condition that affects the teeth coloration also kills the rodent. Are white teeth a sign of deterioration in other types of rodents?

White teeth = degu death, why?
The coloration of the front teeth of rodents depends on the color of the enamel (the harder tissue forming the front layer of the tooth and its cutting edge). Some species (like coypu, and most tuco-tucos, which are other South American rodents) have naturally bright orange enamel, while many others have the more common white enamel.


This species (Octodon degus) has orange enamel, and as their front teeth are continuously growing (as they are worn by use), abnormally white teeth are signs of metabolic problems affecting tooth formation.


For instance, if no enamel is being produced and the degu's teeth are not growing normally, they will appear white. In this case, the teeth will be formed entirely by dentine, a substance that isn't as resistant as enamel, and will be worn too fast; thus, the degu will have problems feeding.


Apart from the direct mechanical consequences, the fact of tooth/enamel color change is an indicator of nutritional defficiencies or other health issues. Then again, if the enamel is deteriorated or absent, the animal is not able to feed properly, and malnutrition will lead to its death.





As for your second question, like I mentioned above, many other rodents have white incisor enamel, so in those cases white is normal and not a sign of deterioration.
Reply:Thanks! I'd like to keep degus as pets, unfortunately when I 'meet' them they're already dead. Report It

Reply:i think they are.



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