Dental care is an important part of a comprehensive preventantive health care program. Horses that do not receive appropriate oral care are more likely to experience weight loss, diarrhea, poor performance, colic, etc. At its most basic an annual oral exam should be part of every horse's health care routine. In the adult this would normally involve, "floating" the teeth, that is removing sharp points or edges that normally form along the outer edges of the top teeth and inner edges of the lowers. These edges form due to the dental anatomy (the upper jaw wider than the lower, and the fact that the horse chews in a somewhat circular motion rather than strictly up and down). If not addressed ,these hooks and edges may begin to irritate or abrade the cheeks and tongue interferring with normal mastication. Floating is done with either a hand rasp (a "float") or with power equipment and most horses do not require tranquilization for this routine procedure. At this time the mouth and teeth are carefully evaluated for any other problems such as missing teeth, overgrown teeth, tooth fractures, large hooks, gum disease, etc.
Young horse's are generally seen starting at about 2 years of age and are evaluated for the presence of retained "caps" (deciduous or "baby teeth" that are usually pushed out by the erupting permenat teeth). If these caps are retained the young horse may have problems and discomfort while chewing. Signs including dropping feed, rolling feed around in the mouth, turning the head to one side or the other while chewing, excessive salivation, head shyness and oral odor may be indications of retained caps. The affected horse is generally tranquilized and these retained caps grasped with an instrument and removed. Youngsters are also evaluated for the presence of "wolf teeth", These are the upper first premolars, generally small teeth located just in front of the first large premolars. Some horse's have these wolf teeth and others do not. Pain, discomfort or interference with the bit is the indication for removing these teeth, a generally easy and straightforward procedure. Many horse's have wolf teeth that never present a problem and are left in place.
Older horse's may have dental issues that may in fact become life threatening problems. Missing, loose,infected and broken teeth or teeth worn down to the gum line may all seriously interfere with the old horse's ability to eat normally and maintain weight. These animals will often drop partially chewed wads of hay, called "quids" and have bad breath. Older horses with any of these problems must be corrected and carefully monitored over time. Some geriatric horses may require dietary modifications, such as feeding a complete feed mixed into a gruel or replacing hay with a cube or pellet.
Conscientious, routine dental care then cannot be overstressed when it comes to a discussion of the horse's overall health care needs.
'Galvayne's groove' ashort video illustrating aging the older horse:
TARTAR ON THE CANINE TOOTH. removing it can prevent gum irritation.
Tatar on the canine tooth. This is the most common site for tartar buildup. Excessive tartar may lead to underlying gingivitis. The tartar can easily be removed by grasping carefully with a pliers.
Tatar on the canine tooth. This is the most common site for tartar buildup. Excessive tartar may lead to underlying gingivitis. The tartar can easily be removed by grasping carefully with a pliers.
Tartar removed