Mouth sensitivity, fear of intimacy, and purring

Question
Hi Crystal,

I have two wonderful, sweet little girl guinea pigs.  Two of my questions pertain to one of the guinea pigs, and my other question pertains to both.

*Question 1: How can I help decrease my guinea pig's extreme mouth sensitivity?*

In order to properly groom my guinea pigs, I've started a 'desensitization' process so that they will feel more comfortable when I touch sensitive areas.  Everyday, I try to spend some time stroking their feet, ears, stomach, and mouth.  One of my guinea pigs has responded wonderfully--she almost has no feeling of discomfort when I touch these areas now.  My other guinea pig, however, while doing well in some areas, still has mouth sensitivity.

She really resists when I try to stroke around her mouth or look at her teeth (which are healthy).  A few times, when I've noticed she may be coming down with a cold, I've had to give her some extra liquid Vitiman C in a eye dropper, and it's been quite a struggle.  Do you know of anything further I can do to decrease her sensitivity, so these tasks can be easier for both of us?

*Question 2: My guinea pig does not like to sit face-to-face. How can I overcome her 'fear of intimacy'?*

The same guinea pig that has mouth sensitivity also seems to have what I like to call a 'fear of intimacy.'  When I hold her, she feels uncomfortable if we're face-to-face, and she doesn't snuggle close in my neck like my other guinea pig.  Through she receives tons of attention, and has received the same amount of attention as my other guinea pig since Day 1, she still seems a bit nervous around me sometimes.  We also often have 'power struggles,' such as when I need to look at her teeth, etc. (described above).  Any ideas on how I can make her more comfortable?

*Question 3: Neither of my guinea pigs purr.  Am I doing something wrong?*

I've had both of my guinea pigs for almost a year now, and they are delightful.  They both squeak and gurgle contentedly when we snuggle, but neither of them purr.  Am I doing something wrong?  Do I have yet to find their 'sweet spot'?  Or do some guinea pigs just not purr?

Thank you so very, very much for your help, Crystal.  These questions have been nagging me for awhile, and it feels good to ask an expert about them.  I look forward to your reply!

Thanks again,

Lauren

Answer
Hi Lauren and thanks for contacting me.  I do have a small suggestion about your cavie's sensitivity to you touching her mouth.  I would spend a little extra time with her touching around her mouth area.  Have one of her favorite treat's near and when she does well with you, give her a small treat.  
My suggestion for her other fear is to purchase some Rescue Remedy and put a few drops in her water each day.  It is a natural product and won't make her sleepy or anything but it is used to help calm her.  Sound's like she is just a naturally nervous cavy.  I do not think it is anything you are doing to make her this way.  She just needs a little more attention than normal.  :)
All cavie's tend to purr but it is not like a cat's purr.  I think what you are describeing as the "gurgle" might actually be the cavie's purr's.  :)
If I can help you further, please don't hesitate to ask.