Brux

Bruxing, also known as chattering¹, is the grating together of teeth, a sign of contentment similar to purring in a cat. Also sometimes in response to stress or upset, possibly in an attempt to self comfort.

• Bruxing keeps a rat's incisor teeth in trim, as they grow constantly. I've recently seen a very powerful example of this. One of my does had a swollen gland on her face due to a virus, and this had put her teeth out of line, making one of her lower incisors overgrow by 3 or 4mm. It was worrying me considerably, as I couldn't break quarantine to take her to the vet, and didn't have anyone at home who could hold her still while I trimmed the tooth. But as soon as the swelling began to subside, she began to brux, and brux, and brux. A day of bruxing later and the overgrown tooth was worn back in line with the other tooth and the problem was solved. —AnnetteRand