[Eyes/Mouth] Missing teeth

[Achaleon]

I rescued a 2 year old red tail a month ago and today I fed him for the first time. While he was eating I noticed he had no teeth. I can post a few pics if you need to see firsthand.
Should I get him to a vet? Other than being a jerk from not being properly handled he has been fine, showing no signs of illness or distress.

[Noelle7206]

Re: Missing teeth

That's a shame! Boa dentures are very expensive! (-teasing!) Are you sure? I've never seen a snake with no teeth...but their teeth are often hard to see. I do NOT recommend that you test him on your hand though,
in case you're wrong... pics would be good! If he truly had no teeth, he'd have had difficulty swallowing his food, as their teeth act like tiny 'forks'.

[Achaleon]

Re: Missing teeth

[Noelle7206]

Re: Missing teeth

They're in there, I promise! (their teeth are covered by a sheath of skin, which gets pushed back in use...he'd have trouble pulling his food in to swallow if he really had no teeth!) It just LOOKS like he has "no teeth", LOL!

Of course, what you have there is a REAL snake too, not the "Hollywood" kind...they'd have you believe that snakes have teeth like alligators or sharks. Snake teeth are translucent too, so when they yawn it really does
look like they need dentures. Now for snakes with fangs, most have fangs that fold up in the roof of their mouth, plus all the "little" teeth in rows like normal snakes do, but when they yawn & stretch their fangs out (to
re-set them, usually after eating or biting prey) their fangs become more visible.

[acephantom903]

Re: Missing teeth

Do you see the raised grooves in the mouth? I'm pretty sure that those are only raised from the floor and roof of the mouth by teeth. Otherwise they should be collapsed like a tent without the tent poles... Like said above, your snake would have difficulty swallowing without teeth. Beautiful snake.

[Achaleon]

Re: Missing teeth

Im so glad this website is here with members like you 2 that are so willing to help and answer newbie questions thanks!

[Noelle7206]

Re: Missing teeth

Im so glad this website is here with members like you 2 that are so willing to help and answer newbie questions thanks!

I wish it had been around when I was wondering all the same things! You're most welcome!

[zamora]

Re: Missing teeth

That's why we are here, to answer questions and help anyone that needs it. Oh, we are also here to share pictures, brag and just be a big ole family. Welcome and please stay a while!

[Pandorasdad]

Re: Missing teeth

Find a way to let him clamp down on your arm for a bit. You'll find the teeth then!

Welcome to the forum! This a great place to learn about the amazing boa constrictor!

Sent from my HTC One via Tapatalk

[Noelle7206]

Re: Missing teeth

Find a way to let him clamp down on your arm for a bit. You'll find the teeth then! ...

I restrained myself earlier but you said it anyway, ROFL!!!! And I was going to suggest a dab of rat 'cologne' to set the mood...

[Pandorasdad]

Re: Missing teeth

I restrained myself earlier but you said it anyway

That's usually how it goes. I have very little restraint. Most of my coworkers love it when I get a contentious phone call. My supervisor, not so much.

[bebowebb]

Re: Missing teeth

Im so glad this website is here with members like you 2 that are so willing to help and answer newbie questions thanks!

That is exactly what this place was designed for

[bcasilio]

Re: Missing teeth

Oh he has teeth! They are quite difficult to see but the "knuckles" on his gums are his teeth.


If you want to test it out... try a hairless rat and when he strikes it, just watch. When he lets go - you should see the puncture marks. Or you could just lather yourself in some good ole rat and have a "personal test" on your hand (which I don't recommend!)




Nice looking boa