Mouth rot (also called stomatitis) is a bacterial infection of a bearded dragon’s mouth and gums. It’s painful, can stop a dragon from eating, and needs veterinary treatment to resolve.
This guide covers the causes, symptoms, and treatment of bearded dragon mouth rot.
What Is Mouth Rot?
Mouth rot is an infection of the soft tissues of the mouth. It often starts as a small injury or irritation that becomes infected with bacteria. If untreated, it can spread to the jaw bone and become very serious.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Swollen, red, or discolored gums
- Yellowish or white “cheesy” discharge in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Reluctance to eat, or dropping food
- Excess saliva or drooling
- Lethargy
What Causes Mouth Rot?
- Injury to the mouth (from rubbing against glass, biting decor, or live prey)
- Poor hygiene in the enclosure
- A weakened immune system from stress or poor husbandry
- Improper temperatures that lower immunity
Treatment
Mouth rot requires a reptile veterinarian. Treatment typically involves:
- Cleaning the infected mouth by the vet.
- Antibiotics (oral or injectable) prescribed by the vet.
- Correcting husbandry so the dragon can heal.
Don’t attempt to scrape or clean the mouth yourself — this can cause more injury and pain.
How to Prevent Mouth Rot
- Keep the enclosure clean and dry.
- Maintain proper temperatures (basking 95–110°F).
- Remove sharp or rough decor that could injure the mouth.
- Quarantine new dragons before introducing them to an existing setup.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general education and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Mouth rot needs prompt treatment — contact a qualified reptile veterinarian.