Teeth grinding/purring question - is it a health benefit?

When you give nose rubs and strokes etc, and they grind their teeth, is it possible that this will help with teeth erosion? I was thinking that the teeth must be pretty soft if they can be eroded by grass, and can be easily clipped. Does anyone know if the action of teeth grinding is the same action as for eating?

Was thinking that cuddles, strokes and nose rubs could be more beneficial to buns than we realise, especially housebuns or infirm buns that don't nec. have access to unlimited grass, or buns that don't like/won't/can't eat hay.

If so, then should we recommend these actions as a health benefit as well as companion bonding etc?

I think that it must help with the tooth erosion. Must admit to never having thought about it till just this minute now you have mentioned it!

I am very very lucky to have two such affectionate bunny friends. Snuggling them has helped my mental state greatly, so it must help theirs also.

GOsh I had never thought about it !? Good point!

I think it depends on which way the motion occurs, if it's side to side, which I assume it would be otherwise you'd get a 'chattering' sound, then that is how teeth are worn on forage....so I'd say there would be some benefit.

On the other hand you wouldn't want to encourage over-erosion as enamel would wear down much faster on tooth against tooth.

I bow to Sooz in all things medical

It's a really interesting idea Jay, I never thought of it. Bruce always purs when I pat him, while Josephine has never purred in her life. Josephine's the dental bunny, but I suspect that could also be because of her breed.

There is a chance that it could be uncomfortable for a dental bunny to make the required jaw motion to produce a purr, which may explain why some don't do it. Of course, it is probably primarily down to personality too.

About 50% of my rabbits have purred.

Oh that's interesting, I just took it that all buns did it, I dunno why, but I guess it's obvious that any with dental pain wouldn't.

I got a very hurried response from Anne "grinding may help back teeth but not make difference to front. Not sure if it is the same as grinding the grass which is highly abrasive, or if same action is used........."

Will try and follow that up with her at some point.