Infectious skink stomatitis (rotten mouth)
Infectious stomatitis, nicknamed “rotten mouth,” is a common mouth infection among reptiles, including scincids like the sand skink. \nIt affects the gums and the inside of the mouth, causing redness, deposits and small sores. \nIf left unt...
What is it?
Infectious stomatitis, nicknamed “rotten mouth,” is a common mouth infection among reptiles, including scincids like the sand skink. \nIt affects the gums and the inside of the mouth, causing redness, deposits and small sores. \nIf left untreated, it can spread to the jaw bone and become serious.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
We often observe a mouth that remains ajar or that the animal has difficulty closing completely. \nThe gums are red, swollen, sometimes with a whitish or yellowish cheese-like deposit. \nExcessive or foamy saliva may flow around the mouth. \nThe skink eats less, chews with difficulty or refuses food. \nA bad odor often comes from the mouth. \nIn advanced cases, teeth may appear loose and the animal becomes despondent and loses weight.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The disease is caused by a proliferation of bacteria normally present in the mouth, which become pathogenic when the animal's defenses are weakened. \nA small oral injury (due to too hard prey, a terrarium accessory or a bite) can open the door to infection. \nChronic stress or an underlying illness also promotes its appearance.
A poorly heated terrarium or one with inadequate humidity weakens the skink's immune defenses. \nA diet poor, particularly in calcium and vitamins, weakens oral tissues. \nA lack of hygiene in the terrarium, an irritating substrate or repeated injuries are contributing factors. \nStress linked to poorly adapted cohabitation or frequent handling also plays a role.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian examines the animal's mouth, looking for deposits, redness and ulcers. \nHe can take a sample to identify the bacteria in question and guide treatment. \nAn x-ray may be suggested if damage to the jaw bone is suspected.
Treatment
Treatment is generally based on local cleaning of the mouth combined with antiseptics suitable for reptiles. \nAntibiotic treatment, chosen according to the agent identified, is often necessary. \nA correction of breeding conditions (temperature, hygrometry, diet) always accompanies medical treatment. \nIn advanced cases, nutritional support treatment may be required.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Maintaining a temperature and humidity adapted to the species in the terrarium is essential. \nProviding a varied and balanced diet, supplemented with calcium and vitamins according to the needs of the species, helps to strengthen immunity. \nCleaning the terrarium regularly and choosing a non-irritating substrate limits injuries. \nAvoid prey that is too large or too hard which could injure the mouth.
Possible complications
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw bone, leading to osteomyelitis that is difficult to treat. \nThe animal may lose teeth, have lasting difficulty eating, and develop severe weight loss. \nIn the most serious cases, the infection can spread throughout the body.
When to see a veterinarian
The skink has its mouth permanently ajar or seems to have difficulty closing it.
Redness, swelling, or abnormal deposits are visible in the mouth.
The animal refuses to eat or chews with difficulty for several days.
An unusual bad odor comes from the mouth.
The animal becomes despondent or visibly loses weight.
Prognosis
The prognosis is good if the disease is treated early, with correction of breeding conditions and appropriate treatment. \nIt becomes more reserved in the event of bone damage or delay in treatment, with a risk of dental after-effects or generalized infection.
Frequently asked questions
Is rotten mouth contagious between reptiles?
It is not directly contagious like the flu, but it often reflects a breeding problem that can affect all animals in the same terrarium if conditions are not corrected.
Can this disease be treated without a veterinarian?
No, appropriate antibiotic treatment and monitoring are necessary. Cleaning alone is usually not enough to cure the infection.
Why does my skink refuse to eat?
Mouth pain related to inflammation and ulcers makes chewing difficult, causing the animal to reduce or stop eating.
How to prevent the disease from returning?
By maintaining stable and suitable terrarium conditions, a balanced diet, and regularly monitoring the animal's mouth.
References
AVMA — American Veterinary Medical Association
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 27 September 2026
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