Start of mouth rot?

Hi everyone. I bought my first ball python 3 months ago as a baby. About a month ago after I got him into a new tub he began rubbing his head around the edge of the tub trying to push the lid up and escape (he has successfully escaped in the past two or three times). I take him out for a couple hours a day, as often as I can because he seems to enjoy being out and wandering freely, however he still tries to get out and is hurting himself. I recently noticed one side of his mouth has started to swell. It looks like it could be the start of mouth rot. Could I get some insight, suggestions, or advice?

http://i48.tinypic.com/2gxpekk.jpg

Does he have a hide (or two) in his cage? I could be wrong, but I think that when they are hell-bent on escaping like that, it's because they don't feel secure in their habitat...?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nimblykimbly

Does he have a hide (or two) in his cage? I could be wrong, but I think that when they are hell-bent on escaping like that, it's because they don't feel secure in their habitat...?

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Yes, there is a hide for him.