EQUINE DENTISTRY

longer does it just entail reducing sharp enamel points but involves balancing the
incisor misalignment, treating caries, gingivitis and periodontal disease, performing
extractions etc.  It is imperative to find a qualified practitioner to perform dentistry on
your horse.  The best way is to look for someone certified through the International
Association of Equine Dentistry.  The organization is on the cutting edge of dental
Equine dentistry has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past 10 years.  No
care and everyone certified has passed rigorous testing to ensure your horse gets
the best care.

WHEN SHOULD DENTAL CARE BEGIN?
    Dental care should begin with foals.  Examining their mouths prepares them
    for future dental maintenance and checks for congenital problems that need
    to be corrected.  Routine maintenance should then start before 2 years of age
    to remove wolf teeth and balance the arcade.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY HORSE RECEIVE DENTAL CARE?
    In general, horses under 5 years and over 20 years should be examined
    every 6 months.  The frequency of dental checkups for other ages is
    determined individually.  However, they should be seen at least once yearly.  
    Keep in mind that usually by the time horses are exhibiting behaviors related
    to painful dentition, they are long overdue for dental maintenance.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS MY HORSE NEEDS DENTAL CARE?
    Most people first see changes in the animals eating or drinking habits such as
    bolting feed, dribbling feed, packing feed in the mouth, eating gingerly or
    refusing to eat.  However, you may also see the following:
  • longer than normal particles in the feces
  • tilting the head while eating or riding
  • head throwing and rearing
  • nervous or worried behavior
  • dunking feed in water
  • quidding
  • bleeding from the mouth
  • sores of the lips, gums or palate
  • laceration of the cheeks
  • halitosis
  • back, neck or facial pain
  • lack of coordination
  • lack of condition or weight loss
  • hard to bit or inability to accept the bit
  • change in performance
  • enlargements or swelling of the face, jaw or nose
  • discharge from the nostrils
  • abnormal carriage of the tongue
  • colic, choke and poor digestive function

WHAT ARE CAPS?
    Caps are the deciduous (baby) premolars and incisors that are shed when the
    horse is between the age of 2 and 5 years.  Loose caps should be extracted
    during routine dental care.

WHAT ARE WOLF TEETH?
    Wolf teeth are vestigial teeth located forward of the first cheek tooth.  They
    can occur on both the lower and upper arcade, although most are found on
    the upper arcade.  All wolf teeth should be removed to prevent pain and
    interference with the function of the bit.  

WILL MY HORSE NEED SEDATION?
    Many horses require sedation in order to properly and safely perform dental
    procedures either because the animal is fearful or in pain.  The safety and
    comfort of the horse is of the utmost importance.  Recommendations
    concerning sedation are made on an individual case by case basis.