Possible gum disease?

[SarahNancy13]

Hello! I have already gotten some great input for taking care of little Ember here and am so grateful for it! I’m asking if you can help calm some worries once again.

I was taking some pictures of little ember basking and noticed that he has what looks like hardened gums and dirt between his teeth. I did research on it and have been cleaning lightly with a q-tip and water once every few days but food still builds up there. I ordered some maxiguard gel as well. I’m just worried it could be hurting him? I attached a picture here for reference. Any ideas on what to do to help? Thank you!

 

[KarrieRee]

Hello! I have already gotten some great input for taking care of little Ember here and am so grateful for it! I’m asking if you can help calm some worries once again.

I was taking some pictures of little ember basking and noticed that he has what looks like hardened gums and dirt between his teeth. I did research on it and have been cleaning lightly with a q-tip and water once every few days but food still builds up there. I ordered some maxiguard gel as well. I’m just worried it could be hurting him? I attached a picture here for reference. Any ideas on what to do to help? Thank you!

Are you feeding dubia roaches? To me the gums look good -- lets have CooperDragon take a look
@CooperDragon

 

[CooperDragon]

That buildup is pretty normal. As mentioned, offering some hard shelled bugs like roaches, superworms, or buffalo beetles can help them clear that a bit using the abrasion from chewing the shells. Otherwise, clearing it with a qtip should help. The Maxiguard is a good cleanser that should help keep his teeth and gums clean.