Bunny Teeth 101: What Every Rabbit Owner Should Know

Don’t let the fluff fool you. A rabbit’s teeth grow nonstop, which makes chewing more than just a hobby—it’s a health essential.

In rabbit parenting, ensuring good dental health isn't just recommended, it's crucial. Ever caught your rabbit grinding their teeth and thought, “Is that normal?” You’re not alone. Rabbit teeth are a hot topic for a reason.

Let’s talk about what that sound means (hint: it’s not always bad), preventative measures against dental complications, and guidelines for contacting your trusted rabbit veterinarian.

What Does It Mean When a Rabbit Grinds Its Teeth?

Good question—it depends on context. Rabbits make a soft grinding sound when they’re relaxed (think: content purring). But if your bunny’s grinding is loud or paired with hunched posture or hiding, it may be a red flag. That could signal pain—most commonly from rabbit teeth problems like abscesses or sharp molars.

Bottom line? Volume and body language matter. If the teeth-grinding seems intense or off, get it checked out.

Why Rabbit Teeth Never Stop Growing

Rabbit teeth grow continuously—up to 5 inches per year. Without enough wear from fibrous hay, they can spiral into overgrown rabbit teeth territory. And that’s no joke. Overgrowth can lead to malocclusion, ulcers, difficulty eating, or even eye and sinus issues.

Your rabbit may not show obvious signs right away, but subtle clues include:

• Drooling or a wet chin

• A drop in appetite

• Droppings that look smaller or drier

• Sudden pickiness with food

Sound familiar? If your rabbit’s eating habits have changed, or you’re noticing signs of discomfort, it might be time for a closer look at those teeth. Dental issues can sneak up fast—especially in rabbits who like to hide pain. A rabbit-savvy vet can catch issues before they escalate.

Rabbit Dental Care Tips That Actually Work

Keeping rabbit teeth in check isn’t complicated—but it does take consistency. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Hay is everything. It should make up 80–90% of your rabbit’s diet. Timothy hay is the gold standard for adult buns.

• Limit pellets. While they’re convenient, pellets don’t do much for tooth wear.

• Offer safe chews. Wooden toys, untreated apple sticks, and cardboard tubes are great choices.

• Watch how they eat. If they’re suddenly avoiding certain foods or chewing only on one side, it’s worth a vet visit.

Not sure what foods to feed your bunny?

Treat your bunny to smarter snacks with Healthy Greens for Happy Hoppers. For more details, check out our rabbit care guide for everything from diet to nail trims.

When to Call in the Pros

Here’s the tricky thing: Rabbits are excellent at hiding discomfort. So even if they’re still nibbling on greens, they could be dealing with sharp points, malocclusion, or abscesses—especially if you’re seeing those subtle signs.

The good news? A trained eye (and dental scope) can catch issues before they escalate. If you’ve Googled “rabbit vet near me” and landed here, you’re already on the right track.

At Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic, we specialize in exotic pet dentistry. Whether your bunny needs a basic checkup or a dental trim under anesthesia, we’re ready with the right tools—and plenty of nose boops (optional but encouraged).

Want to go deeper down the dental rabbit hole? Check out Everything You Need to Know About Herbivore Dental Health.

A Final Chew on the Matter

Rabbits can live long, healthy lives—but only if those teeth are working with them, not against them. With the right diet, attention to behavior, and regular exams, you can stay ahead of rabbit teeth problems and keep your bunny’s bite happy and functional.

If your bunny’s chewing seems off, they’re grinding more than usual, or you just want to be proactive about how to keep rabbit teeth healthy, reach out. Our team has you and your fluffy friend covered.

Hop over here to schedule a checkup or ask a question. Your bunny will thank you.

And don’t forget, your rabbit’s health isn’t just about teeth—protection starts with prevention. Don’t skip this crucial step: Rabbit Vaccination for RHDV2 Now Available at LIBEVC.