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Benefits of Equine
Dental Care
By Jerry Carpos Dentistry has become an extremely
important part of equine care thus it should not be overlooked. More
than any lasting horse portraits, horse dentistry is the ultimate key to
longevity of the horses life.
The importance of equine dental care has long been neglected. In the
horse world, in general, it is important to emphasize the importance of
good horse mouth, teeth hygiene and maintenance.
So, what does an equine dentist do, and which horses could benefit from
their practices? An experienced horse dentist would basically
equilibrate a horse's teeth in various ways. Horses in the natural state
do not usually require dentistry, the same as they do not require a
furrier. Free-roaming horses eat a lot of hard plants with a high woody
content, as well as grasses with silicates. These are abrasive
substances, which wear down the incisors as the horse tears at the grass
stalks. Hay-fed horses do not need to use their incisors in the same
way, with the result that these do not get worn down and eventually get
so long that the horse cannot close its mouth sufficiently to use the
molars to grind its food.
All horses could benefit from the services of an equine dentist,
although only a small proportion receives them. Even if your vet checks
your horse s teeth every half year, the chances are very high that there
are points on the outside of the upper premolars and molars which are
causing either constant discomfort or digging ulcerations in the cheeks.
A thorough oral examination requires the use of a full-mouth speculum
and a mild sedative or relaxant.
The most discerning owners tend to call in a specialized dentist as
standard procedure, because it can improve a horse's performance
dramatically and prolong active life for up to a decade. Better food
uptake means better performance so in order to improve the horse's
digestion regular dental work is a must. Surprisingly, a significant
proportion of horses suffer from tooth maladies which can affect the way
they take the bit. A tendency to resist turning in a particular
direction is, for example, a strong indication that the horse has some
kind of problem on that side of its mouth. The horse will surely act up
especially if turning is uncomfortable. It may be simply a question of
getting the bit to sit more comfortably to cause an immediate change in
the behavior of the horse.
Many horses have persistent problems which cause uneven eating,
distortions of facial muscle development and a build-up of pressure,
which in turn can lead to constant headaches. Usually during the first
session of dental treatment even under mild sedation, the effects can be
dramatic and the horse experiences relief from this. Have you ever seen
a horse smile?
Friction can arise between dental practitioners and standard vets, who
have very different approaches to dental problems. Typically, a vet is
called in to file down teeth when they become long, but tends to do so
in a very uniform manner, which does not take into account the natural
variations in the horse's own way of grinding, or the angles of the
teeth necessary for comfortable eating. Incorrect filing can radically
change the angle of impact and effectively prevent the horse from
eating.
There is unfortunately no accredited certification program for equine
dentistry through veterinary organizations. Ironically, only veterinary
practitioners are legally empowered to practice equine dentistry,
although many are not capable of the most basic form of it.
Veterinarians usually work hand in hand with a specialized and trained
lay-dentist or dentist assistant. The equine dentists themselves are a
rare breed. Because of the problems they are up against in terms of
training programs and chances to practice freely, they tend to be fierce
animal lovers with a high commitment to their chosen profession and an
almost evangelical passion to spread the word. There is a worldwide
network of practitioners, who are in constant consultation for
problem-solving and sharing new techniques and findings. A visit from
and equine dentist can be as rewarding an experience for the owner as it
is for the horse.
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