The Puffer Forum

If the dental plate is cracked/split - this can be worsened by the overgrowth and the normal everyday chewing. This split can and often will cause an opening or split in the gum which can become infected.

I have been trying unsucessfully to get a better picture of the puffers' teeth. When I just sit in front of the tank, the puffers come look at me. But the moment I take out my camera, they start moving around and hiding. Right now the battery is charging because it died while I was trying to get a better shot. I plan on going to my LFS on Tuesday because they are getting their 1st shipment for the new year. I plan on getting some snails the puffers can chew on. I think the Hawaiian can still be worn down naturally. Do you have any advice for what kind of snails? All I know is they have to be smaller than they eye.

The valentini's teeth are not split, they are just covered in plaque, if that is possible.

Ok it took forever but I finally got better pics. One of them I don't know how to change. I changed the camera to take 16 pics at a time to ensure something would be in focus, but I don't know how to seperate them. But it does look kinda cool.

The large pic looks like there is a gap/split in the upper teeth....anyone else appreciate it?

Thats the first thing I noticed too.

Is there any way to fix it other than manual trimming?

If they were slightly overgrown possibly, but not at that length and when there split in half.

Feeding crunchy foods only keepss the teeth ground down. Once they are overgrown, the ONLY option is hand-trimming.

I have been working on my dad. I have made some progress in the fact that he did read the dentistry article and could be thinking about it. Pretty soon you will either be seeing pics of short teeth or hearing of my failure.

Can you give any extra advice to a first timer that was not in the article?

Thanks muchly.

I don't have much advice. I witnessed a failure. Just make sure you stir the clove oil very well and go as quickly as possible. I hope it worked out.

I know this is a late post but I am extremely curious as how this turned out. I hope everything went fine. I lost my precious Steve (F8 puffer) to those dang teeth. Keep us updated.

If you're concerned about clove oil, you can use Finquel, purchased at http://www.drsfostersmith.com. Tell your dad the puffers will no doubt die if it can't eat.

AAHHHH!!!!

I did it. But I only did the Hawaiian. I was going to do both, but I kinda freaked out when I did the Hawaiian and didn't want to do the Valentini. It was a lot different than I thought, and I need to get the clippers recommended because I just used regular nail clippers. They were difficult to manuver. The hawaiian squirmed a bit and I may have nipped its lower lip. It has been hiding all afternoon. I hope it comes out to eat later. I will clip the valentini's teeth on tuesday after I get better clippers. Then I'll post pics and update how the hawaiian is doing.

PS. I had to use clove oil because the other stuff is on back order. I noticed it smelled nice.

Good to hear that worked out pretty good!

I for one am very proud of you. Way to go! Now just get the other one done and don't forget to feed crunchy food so you never have to do it again.