Introduction to Equine Dentistry

1. Why do horses teeth get sharp?

Horse’s teeth are made of three main substances, Dentin, Cementine and Enamel. The upper molars are larger in size and sit slightly further apart than the lower molars, (this is called anoganthism). Bearing in mind that they erupt (not grow) as they are worn by normal chewing a sharp enamel edge is left on the upper outside and lower inside edge of the teeth.

A little difficult to see but the upper outside edge (top left) of the teeth pictured are very sharp and causing major ulceration to the cheeks.

2. What are hook, does my horse have them?

In addition to the basic removal of sharp edges, “balancing” the mouth is an essential part of routing maintenance, most horses will be prone to one or more “imbalances”, these usually occur from a misalignment in the tooth arcades or jaw, mainly because we have been breeding horses for thousands of years to have smaller prettier heads, away from what is naturally functional. Hooks, waves, steps, beaks and ramps are all different types of tooth imbalance also known as focal over growth. See below the ‘hook’ this was most likely causing significant damage to the tissue around and below it…. L – Before treatment
R – After treatment, (other side of mouth).

3. Does my horse have wolf teeth, and what are they?

Wolf teeth are small short rooted teeth (a little like our own) remnant of what at another stage of equine evolution a full molar, it is thought that approximately one third have two wolf teeth one third just the one, and one third none, (breed dependent), they are typically only on the top jaw, but occasionally found on the bottom jaw. Wolf teeth can also  be ‘blind’ this is when they do not have enough length to pierce the gum and lay just beneath the surface causing pain to the tissue covering them.
They come through at around nine months of age, but are not usually detected till the horse is bitted as they can cause problems if they are in frequent contact with the bit. If removed they are done so under sedation as legally required.

4. What are caps?

Caps are otherwise known as milk teeth, EVERY horse and pony will lose all 24 of these caps between the ages of two and a half and four and a half, most of these should go undetected but the odd one may be retained this causes the immediate problem of gum disease and if not sorted, incorrect mouth balance in later life. Needless to say regular checks are essential in youngsters.

5. Do you have to have a degree to practice Equine Dentistry?

In short, no! Hartpury College, Glostershire currently offer a degree in Equine Dental Science, as the title suggests it is a science degree offering a small amount of practical experience. I know as I currently do the teaching of the Second and Third years in their weekly practical sessions. It is recommended that the students seek an apprenticeship to run alongside or after their degree to gain the practical experience necessary to pass their advanced exams.