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Many hamsters will gnaw on the bars of the cage, but if a hamster has nothing to gnaw on to keep its teeth in trim, the hamster’s teeth may overgrow and can puncture the mouth or jaw, which would lead to the hamster not being able to eat properly and the hamster starves to death. 

 

If a hamster's teeth become overgrown, take the hamster to a vet and the vet may show you how to trim the hamster’s teeth if they overgrow again. The hamster’s teeth can be clipped using a pair of nail clippers but care must be taken to avoid cutting the hamster’s tongue or cheek. To cut the hamster's teeth, hold the hamster by a good scruff of neck forcing the hamster to 'smile' and ensuring that the hamster remains still. Place the nail clippers around the tooth to be cut, ensuring that the blade behind the tooth is pressed firmly and then cut or trim the hamster’s teeth.

 

Hamster’s teeth may break more easily if the diet is low in calcium and dog biscuits are a good source of calcium. A lot of sunflower seeds should not be given as a lot of sunflower seeds do not provide the correct amount of calcium needed for a hamster.