Could this be mouth rot, or just something stuck?

[Stitchex]

Dusty can't close his mouth all the way, it's left slightly open. One part of his lip is protruding, and there's a grayish...thing where it's protruding, where his teeth would be. I think I'll open up his mouth later today to see if it's just a food item or something.

Does mouth rot happen to reptiles randomly? Or is there something that makes it appear? Poor husbandry, something with the food items? Thanks.

 

[acpart]

I haven't had to deal with mouth rot, but I think that if they get an infection it can show up in the mouth and is not necessarily due to poor husbandry. I have a feeling that when the husbandry is poor and the owner doesn't do anything about mouth rot then it can get much worse.

Aliza

 

[Stitchex]

Here's some pics of the area in question

Thanks Aliza^^

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

It almost appears to be an injury to the mouth/gums, and not mouth-rot. I am not a vet, but my recommendation is to use a Q-tip, get one end wet, then dip it in some hydrogen peroxide. Take some regular iodine (you can get the stuff at Walmart) and put 2-3 drops on the pre-moistened peroxide end of the Q-tip, and gently swab the affected gum area 2X a day. It will foam up, and the gecko will lick it profusely. Watch closely for signs of infection, and if that happens I recommend a visit to the vet.

 

[Stitchex]

Marcia, would that involve opening his mouth, or just swabbing around the area? Thanks!

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Mary, you can get the mouth open using the swab. Just gently swab the affected area, especially around the gum and inner lip area.

 

[Stitchex]

Okay, thanks Marcia