Written by: Bria Osborne, OVC 2026
Edited by: Dr. Paisley Canning
A common issue found in pet pigs is dental disease. Pigs can experience the buildup of plaque and bacteria on their teeth leading to an abundance of other issues. Tooth decay, gum inflammation, abscesses and infection are all associated with dental disease. Often, we see broken tusks or food/material impactions around the gums and tusks. Tooth root abscesses are also commonly seen in potbellied pigs.
Like humans, pigs have molars, premolars, canines (tusks in pigs), and incisors (see figure 1 for dental layout). Any of these teeth can become diseased in any pig, however male adult pigs are more susceptible to tusk abscesses. Disease of the teeth can also be exacerbated by misalignment of the teeth. Dental disease can be painful, causing your pig to not be able to eat properly. A pig that is experiencing dental disease may also experience behavioral changes due to pain associated with the condition.
Male pigs have 4 canines (tusks), two on the bottom and two on the top jaw. Neutered male pigs will need their tusks trimmed every 3 to 5 years. If tusks are allowed to get long, then they pose a human safety risk and can also grow into the lips/mouth of the pig (figures 2 and 3). If a tusk grows into the lips, it will cause pain and infection. Tusks are very sharp and can easily tear open human skin and blood vessels. Even if your pig is sweet and kind, if they move their head suddenly they can accidentally cut you with their tusks. We HIGHLY recommend that tusks are trimmed and dulled regularly.
Photo Credit: American Mini Pig Association
Figure 1: Above is the mandible (lower jaw) of a pig. Note how they have enlarged canine teeth (tusks).
Figure 2: Above is a Kune Kune pig with a long tusk. Long tusks pose a threat to human safety and may start to grow into the pig’s cheek.
Photo Credit: Mini Pig Info
Figure 3: Above is an example of a potbellied pig with an overgrown tusk.
Signs your pig may be struggling with dental disease or another oral complication
- Foul odor from mouth
- Refusing to eat hard or crunchy food
- Eating more slowly
- Chewing on only one side of the mouth
- Head shaking or tilting while eating
- Facial swelling
- Teeth grinding and lip smacking
- Excess salivation
Treatment and prevention
Having your vet regularly exam your pig allows for early detection and mitigation. Your vet may also prescribe water additives for teeth health. Having your vet perform tusk trims on your pig allows for good health and comfort for your pig’s mouth and face. Please note that 99% of the time, some sedation is needed to perform an oral exam or tusk trim on a pig.
Providing dental care for your pig is challenging :
- Ideally we would be able to provide dental care for pigs, just like what is available for humans. However, it is very hard to do this in a mobile/field setting
- Pigs need sedation to perform an oral exam
- Pigs also have a long narrow jaw and it is difficult to open their mouth widely to assess their teeth
- This leaves little room for dental instruments which are needed to provide proper dental charting and care.
- Dental xrays are generally not available in a mobile or farm setting
Options for dental care:
- Water additives
- Brushing teeth (if possible)
Please reach out to Dr. Canning if you have any concerns about your pig’s teeth or if you would like to book a tusk trim. You can contact the clinic at [email protected], or on facebook.com/upperthamesvs.
Reference:
Potbellied Pig Veterinary Medicine by Kristie Mozzachio