The Complete Guide to Sugar Glider Teeth, Diet, and Health

Care
June 16, 2025

Sugar gliders are tiny marsupials with big personalities. While they’re loved for their gliding skills, expressive eyes, and affectionate bonds, many people underestimate the importance of dental care, nutrition, and monitoring health signs in sugar gliders. Poor diet or lack of care can lead to health deterioration and, sadly, premature death.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about sugar glider teeth, proper diet like sugar glider kibble, how to recognize dying symptoms, and even what is known about the biggest sugar gliders. If you’re a new or experienced owner, this article will help you better understand your sugar glider’s health and needs.

Introduction to Sugar Glider Teeth

Sugar gliders are classified as omnivorous marsupials, meaning their diet in the wild consists of insects, nectar, tree sap, fruits, and small vertebrates. Their dental structure supports this type of diet.

Unlike rodents, sugar gliders do not have ever-growing teeth. This means their teeth don’t need to be worn down constantly, but they do need proper maintenance through a balanced diet and healthy chewing habits.

How Many Teeth Do Sugar Gliders Have?

An adult sugar glider has 40 teeth, and these include:

Incisors (used for gnawing into wood or bark)
Canines (small and pointy)
Premolars and molars (for grinding food)

Their dental formula is:

Upper jaw: 3 incisors, 1 canine, 3 premolars, 4 molars
Lower jaw: 2 incisors, 1 canine, 3 premolars, 4 molars

These tiny yet effective teeth allow them to extract sap, chew insects, and consume fruits.

The Purpose and Structure of Sugar Glider Teeth

Sugar glider teeth are perfectly adapted for their natural environment. Their lower incisors are elongated, creating a toothbrush, like effect. These specialized teeth help them scrape tree bark to access the sweet sap underneath.

Key Functions:

Incisors: Scraping and biting into surfaces
Molars: Chewing and grinding food
Canines: Limited use but aid in catching and holding prey

If your glider is showing discomfort while eating, drooling, or pawing at its mouth, dental issues might be to blame.

Dental Health Issues in Sugar Gliders

Although sugar gliders don’t suffer from overgrown teeth like rodents, they are prone to other dental issues if their diet is imbalanced or if they chew on unsafe items.

Common Dental Problems:

Tooth decay
Gum disease
Broken or chipped teeth
Infections from abscesses
Tooth loss due to malnutrition

Symptoms of Dental Issues:

Drooling or wet chin
Difficulty eating
Pawing at the mouth
Weight loss
Foul odor from the mouth

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult an exotic veterinarian immediately.

Best Diet for Dental and Overall Health

Proper diet is not only crucial for overall health, but also for maintaining clean, healthy teeth. In the wild, gliders chew tree bark and insect exoskeletons, which naturally clean their teeth.

Recommended Sugar Glider Diet:

High-quality pellets or kibble as a base
Fresh fruits (papaya, apples, berries, etc.)
Vegetables (sweet potato, carrot, spinach)
Insects (mealworms, crickets for protein)
Sap-based supplements or nectar blends
Calcium and multivitamin supplements

Is Sugar Glider Kibble Good?

Sugar glider kibble is a convenient and balanced option for busy owners, but it should not be the only thing in your glider’s diet. Think of it as a nutritional foundation.

Pros of Kibble:

Long shelf life
Balanced nutrients
Helps with mild dental wear

Cons of Solely Using Kibble:

Doesn’t replicate natural chewing behavior
Can become boring or lead to picky eating
May lack fresh moisture and enzymes

Always pair kibble with fresh fruits, protein sources, and a variety of textures to encourage natural eating behavior and support dental health.

Common Signs of a Dying Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are prey animals, so they often hide symptoms of illness until they’re in critical condition. Knowing the signs of a dying sugar glider is key to getting help quickly, or making compassionate decisions.

Sugar Glider Dying Symptoms:

Lethargy or unresponsiveness
Sudden weight loss
Labored or shallow breathing
Seizures or tremors
Refusal to eat or drink
Weak grip or inability to cling to the cage
Cold extremities
Vomiting or diarrhea
Sunken eyes

If your sugar glider shows one or more of these symptoms, immediate veterinary intervention is required. Don’t wait.

Sugar Glider Death: What to Expect and What to Do

Death can occur suddenly or gradually, depending on the cause, such as old age, organ failure, dehydration, or infection. Sugar gliders can live up to 12–15 years in captivity with proper care, but neglect or poor diet can drastically shorten that.

After a Sugar Glider Dies:

Remove them from the cage to avoid stress to cage mates
Contact an exotic vet for a necropsy if the cause is unknown
Consider cremation or burial in a safe, respectful place
Sanitize the cage and items to prevent disease spread

Mourning is normal. Sugar gliders form strong social bonds with their owners and each other. Surviving cage mates may grieve and need extra comfort.

How Big Do Sugar Gliders Get?

Despite their adventurous spirit, sugar gliders remain small.

Average Size:

Body Length: 5 to 7 inches (not including tail)
Tail Length: 6 to 8 inches
Weight: 100 to 160 grams (3.5–5.6 ounces)

The Biggest Sugar Glider:

There is no official record of a “world’s biggest” sugar glider, but the largest healthy gliders are typically males who weigh closer to 160g. Overweight gliders (above 180g) may be at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues.

Maintaining a proper diet and encouraging exercise through climbing, gliding, and toys is essential to avoid obesity.

Final Thoughts on Glider Health and Longevity

Sugar gliders are delightful companions, but they require specialized care, especially when it comes to teeth, diet, and health monitoring. A well-rounded diet that includes kibble, fruits, and insects supports dental and physical health. Recognizing the symptoms of illness or death early can save lives and ensure your glider lives a long, happy life.

Understanding even the smallest details, like how many teeth they have or what signs point to decline, can make you a more responsible and loving glider owner.

Hello! I am Bella James

Bella James is a knowledgeable content writer with a strong focus on pet care fields, particularly exotic animals like sugar gliders. With years of experience she specializes in delivering informative articles on sugar glider behavior, diet, health, and habitat. Bella combines accurate research with captivating storytelling to educate pet owners.

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