Equine Dental Services
Warwick Equine Clinic offers dental services for horses. Equine dentistry should only be performed by veterinary surgeons trained in dentistry and not by lay personnel. While certain "floating" procedures may be performed by non-veterinarian tooth technicians, they are not qualified to diagnose disease and are not permitted by law to administer or prescribe medications, including sedatives, which may be necessary to perform an adequate examination and necessary procedures.
See the attached article from the Paulick Report: https://www.paulickreport.com/...
Horses should have a complete oral exam yearly. Older horses, or those with certain malformations, may require examination more frequently. This does NOT mean that your horse's teeth will need floating every year. If the teeth are normal, they should not be floated as it will damage the enamel and can lead to premature tooth death and infection.
Gum Disease in Horses
Horses are prone to developing the same types of dental diseases and problems as humans, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, staining, and cavities. The process of dental decay and disease starts every time your horse eats.
When your horse eats, food particles get on their teeth and gums. This fuels the bacteria in your horse’s mouth, causing an acid attack on the enamel of their teeth and creating a sticky, clear substance called plaque. If the plaque is left on teeth, it hardens into tartar. When plaque and tartar are left on your horse’s teeth for an extended period of time, it can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities, and oral infections.
Signs of Dental Disease in Horses
When it comes to detecting potential oral health problems in horses, owners must be vigilant in noticing changes in behavior. This is because horses often do not act like they are in pain until the pain is severe.
If you notice any of the signs below, it is important that you contact us to schedule a dental checkup.
- Broken or Loose Teeth
- Discomfort While Eating
- Extremely Bad Breath
- Pussy or Bloody Drool
- Red Gums
- Swollen or Inflamed Gums
- Weight Loss
- Loss of Appetite
The Hazards of Untreated Periodontal Disease in Horses
Untreated periodontal disease in horses can lead to dangerous infections, like abscesses and blood infections. Advanced dental disease may also affect your horse’s heart, liver, and kidneys. In order to avoid these potentially life-threatening conditions, it is important to keep your equine’s teeth clean with a combination of at-home care and regular veterinary teeth cleanings.