Equine DentistryEquine DentistryThe importance of proper equine dental careThe importance of proper equine dental care

The Basics of Horse AnatomyThe Basics of Horse Anatomy

Oral AnatomyOral Anatomy

Equine Chewing Equine Chewing CycleCycle

Age-Related FactsAge-Related Facts

Modern HorseModern Horse

Skull of a draft horseSkull of a draft horse

Oral AnatomyOral Anatomy

Equine tooth made of— Cementum Dentin Enamel

Allows tooth to be self-sharpening

Each arcade has— 3 incisors, 3 premolars, 3 molars

May have one canine May have one vestigial pre-molar (wolf tooth)

Oral AnatomyOral Anatomy

Abrasive foodstuffs.

Long crowned teeth.

All cheek teeth molar-like.

Eruption Times of Equine TeethEruption Times of Equine Teeth

At birth, foal’s face cannot accommodate full complement of teeth.

3 deciduous incisors erupt starting from the center at 7 days, 7 weeks and 7 months.

All 12 deciduous premolars present at birth or erupt soon after.

Molars do not have a deciduous precursor.

Molars erupt at 1, 2 and 3.5 years.

Eruption Times of Equine TeethEruption Times of Equine Teeth

Permanent incisors (center to corner) replace their deciduous precursors at:

2.5 years2.5 years 3.5 years 3.5 years 4.5 years4.5 years

Deciduous premolars are replaced at:

2.5 years2.5 years 2 years, 8 months2 years, 8 months 3 years, 8 months3 years, 8 months

Eruption Times of Equine TeethEruption Times of Equine Teeth

In 2 years, 24 deciduous teeth are replaced by permanent counterparts.

Scrutiny of the horse’s mouth is important during this time.

Eruption Times of Equine TeethEruption Times of Equine Teeth

Canines (fighting teeth) usually erupt at 4 – 6 years in males. Often absent or rudimentary in mares.

Wolf teeth (vestigial 1st premolars) usually erupt at 6-12 months of age.

Neither of these teeth serve a purpose in chewing.

Why Horses Need Dental CareWhy Horses Need Dental Care

Goals of Proper Goals of Proper Equine Dental CareEquine Dental Care

What about the What about the Wild Horse?Wild Horse?

Elements of the Elements of the Dental ExamDental Exam

Goals of Proper Equine Dental CareGoals of Proper Equine Dental Care

Thorough oral exam necessary Abnormality Acquired disease

Optimize jaw and mouth function Remove excessive chewing forces on Remove excessive chewing forces on

individual teeth (malocclusions)individual teeth (malocclusions) Preserve tooth structure (equilibrate eruption)Preserve tooth structure (equilibrate eruption) Prevent periodontal diseasePrevent periodontal disease

Alleviate pain Address any issues preventing horse from

functioning at optimum level

Goals of Proper Equine Dental CareGoals of Proper Equine Dental Care

Make dentistry a regular element of good health care—

Prevent early Prevent early problems from problems from becoming lifelong, becoming lifelong, expensiveexpensive

Find hidden, painful Find hidden, painful problems to problems to alleviate sufferingalleviate suffering

Allow horses to Allow horses to keep functional keep functional teeth for entire livesteeth for entire lives

Elements of the Dental ExamElements of the Dental Exam

Treat the whole horse Have and know how to use proper

equipment Thorough knowledge of equine

surgery, medicine and dentistry Have access to additional diagnostics

Elements of the Dental ExamElements of the Dental Exam Most important?

Interest, desire, education, proper training.

The mouth is only a part of the whole horse.

General exam and evaluation of the whole horse.

Not unusual to find other significant health issues.

““4% of horses examined don’t get dentistry that day,” says Bob Gregory, DVM4% of horses examined don’t get dentistry that day,” says Bob Gregory, DVM

Elements of the Dental ExamElements of the Dental Exam

History

Physical exam

Sedation

Full mouth speculum

Bright light source

Correct equipment (mirror, cheek retractor, picks, etc.)

Access to additional diagnostics (lab, X-ray, MRI)

Popular Myths about Dental CarePopular Myths about Dental Care

“Young horses don’t need dental care.”

“Wild horses don’t get dental care so my horses don’t need it.”

“Horses only need dental care every few years.”

“I am able to tell when my horse needs dental care.”

The Facts about Proper Dental CareThe Facts about Proper Dental Care

Birth to 2 years—Evaluate to determine if everything developed correctly.

2-5 years— Evaluate to determine if all permanent teeth erupted as they should.

5-20 years— Regular checkups to make sure no disease or injury threatens the health of the horse.

Geriatrics—Evaluate to ensure the horse can eat properly, is not in pain, answer questions on feeding a geriatric horse.

All ages benefit from regular dental exams!All ages benefit from regular dental exams!

Who Should Provide Dental CareWho Should Provide Dental Care

A Team ApproachA Team Approach

Veterinary Veterinary EducationEducation

Myths and FactsMyths and Facts

Licensed Veterinary Licensed Veterinary ProfessionalsProfessionals

A Team ApproachA Team Approach

• A concerned owner-veterinarian team is best for the horse.

• Care on a regular basis can assure health, longevity.

• Dentistry is ONE element of good health care. Must be coupled with a complete physical exam.

Veterinary Education & LicensureVeterinary Education & Licensure

To provide thorough, competent equine dental care—

Understand anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology and clinical applications

Assess the whole horse, recognize health issues

Apply clinical skills, correctly use medical drugs and sedatives, have access to diagnostics (lab, X-ray, MRI)

Only licensed veterinarians have the necessary training and are allowed by law to diagnose, treat, prescribe

Myths and FactsMyths and FactsMyth—”Veterinarians are not educated in dentistry.”Fact—Dental education encompasses all 4 years of

Veterinary School and beyond.

Myth—”Veterinarians are not interested in dentistry.”Fact— Committed veterinarians are part of a network of

Equine Health Care Professionals. Some veterinarians prefer to refer dental care.

Myth—”Lay people who do teeth are more qualified.”Fact— “Floating only” training cannot substitute for a

comprehensive veterinary education. Veterinarians are trained, licensed to use sedation, take X-rays. Continuing education is required throughout their careers.

Equine DentistryEquine Dentistry

Your horse’s health and well-being are best served by licensed veterinary professionals—

Veterinarians (DVMs) Veterinary Technicians (LVTs)

WA State Dept of Health establishes requirements for Training—initial and ongoing Licensing Accountability

Expect and demand competent treatment. Lay people without proper training, operating outside the law should not provide dental care.

Thank youThank you

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