In fact, in that tiny little hedgie mouth, there are thirty-six teeth. Although statistics are not available for hedgehogs, veterinarians agree that hedgehogs do need regular dental care. They have found that by the age of 6, almost all ferrets are suffering from gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease. Unlike humans, animals rarely get cavities. This is because cavities are primarily caused by the high sugar content of the human diet.
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria and plaque which attach the soft gum tissue of the mouth.
The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. This is very common. In this stage, the bacteria have mixed with saliva and formed plaque. The plaque adheres to the teeth and hardens, forming tarter and calculus. These tarter deposits irritate the gum tissue and cause inflammation, swelling and infection.