SMELLY BREATH OR SLIMY SALIVA Young horses start losing deciduous (caps) teeth at the age 2 1⁄2 years until the age of 5. In this time frame the young horse will lose twenty-four teeth (twelve incisors and twelve molars). It is common for the ‘caps’ to have food matter impacted between the ‘cap’ and the…
When to begin and how often should horses be checked or treated? Follow your Equine Dental Technicians’ recommendations but as a guide, it is recommended that horses’ teeth should be checked from the age of 2yo preferably either in the process of being mouthed or the horse being well handled. Horses aged 5yo or younger…
Horses have between 36 & 42 teeth consisting of 12 incisors. All 12 incisors erupt as deciduous (caps) incisors and are later replaced by permanent (adult) incisors. There are 24 molars. The 1st, 2nd & 3rd molars erupt as deciduous (caps) molars and the 4th, 5th & 6th molars erupt as permanent (adult) molars. There…
Recognising dental problems in horses involves observing their behaviour, performance, and physical signs. Here are some indicators of potential dental issues: Changes in Eating Habits: Difficulty chewing or dropping food while eating. Slower eating or reluctance to eat. Tilting the head while eating. Behavioural Changes: Head tossing or head tilting. Resistance to the bit or…
Engaging an equine dental technician is essential for several reasons: Oral Health Maintenance: Equine dental technicians specialise in maintaining the oral health of horses, ensuring proper dental care to prevent issues. Early Issue Detection: Regular check-ups by a skilled equine dental technician can help identify dental problems early, preventing them from escalating into more serious…
Adult horses typically have between 36 and 44 teeth. The exact number can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and breed. Here is a general breakdown: Incisors (front teeth): Adult horses have 12 incisors – six on the top and six on the bottom. Canines (often called “bridle teeth”): These are usually present…
The EDAA does not support the use of non water-cooled powered dental tools: The incorrect use of powered dental tools creates heat which can cause irreversible damage to the horse’s teeth Sedation is usually required which can only be administered by a registered veterinarian Sedation is rarely required with the use of hand files Traditional…
Equine dentist Mark Burnell talks about different types of bits, their uses and the importance of fitting them correctly. The importance of a correctly fitted bit, including how to fit your bit correctly to your horse’s mouth and bridle. The different kinds of horse bits and how choosing the correct bit can effect your horses behaviour.…
What are hand tools? Hand Tools also known as Hand Floats are used in the routine dentistry of horses. Typically, a horse would be seen annually for a routine float/check. However, if the horse is eating hard food or has abnormalities in the mouth, routine dental checks will need to be completed more regularly. A…