You may think that equine dentists are a new phenomenon; another modern invention. In fact, however, tooth rasps and other equipment for looking after horses' teeth were being produced as long ago as the 19th Century.
When horses were in their heyday, vets routinely "floated" (rasped) their teeth knowing that it was important to keep horses comfortable in their mouths. Without correct care problems can cause behavioural problems, lack of performance and loss of condition in all horses.
Just check out the image to the right, which illustrates an advertisement for dental instruments dated from before the 1900s.
If you're wondering whether or not your horse needs regular dental checks by a qualified professional, just think about these top 10 reasons why the answer is definitely "yes".
1
Horses' teeth erupt throughout their lives
2
The upper jaw is 30% wider than the lower jaw, creating sharp points on the cheek surface of the upper teeth and on the tongue surface of the lower jaw
3
These points can cause discomfort, pain and even lacerations in the mouth and can hinder performance in the working horse
4
Because their diet is mainly roughage, horses need teeth of an even height
5
Roughage digestion occurs by microbial fermentation in the caecum. Particles that are too large pass through undigested and nutrients are not digested
6
Inadequately chewed roughage increases the risk of intestinal obstruction (colic)
7
Incisors do not wear at the same rate as the molars due to the non-abrasive nature of the diet of the domestic horse
8
Early or late tooth eruption causes an uneven chewing surface, this becomes exaggerated over time
9
Tall, sharp canine teeth can pinch or cut the tongue (primarily a problem in geldings and stallions)
10
Horses chew in a figure of 8 type of pattern which requires an angle of about 15 degrees on the molar surface to chew efficiently
Check out the next page for more information about routine tooth care.
