01296 623439
Tring Road, Halton, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 5PN
Appointments and 24 hour emergency
The horse has three incisors, one canine if present, four premolars (including the wolf tooth if present) and three molars in each dental arcade. There are four arcades making the full mouth. In the following pictures the wolf teeth are not present.
The lower arcades fit slightly inside the upper arcades. As the horse chews, the outer edges of the upper and inner edges of the bottom arcades become sharp.
Rasping the molars
A full mouth speculum helps detailed examination of all the teeth in the mouth. Usually the incisors need little rasping, unless the horse has a specific mal-occlusion involving these teeth. Young horses have a deciduous set of teeth which is replaced with a full set of permanent teeth by approximately five years of age. Molar or incisor caps are often shed naturally, although help can be required if these become uncomfortable or impacted. Note the gentle curve of the dental arcade which is called the ‘Curve of Spee’. The rasps are consequently angled to enable effective tooth contact.
Bit seating the premolars will routinely be carried out, to reduce the pressure between the bit and the teeth on the soft tissues of the cheek.
Routine dentistry
Routine dental examinations vary from horse to horse depending on the individual case. Younger horses routinely require their teeth checking every six months or so, whereas mature horses with good dental conformation may well only require checking every year.
Please contact the practice to discuss your horse’s particular requirements with one of our vets.
Routine dental examinations vary from horse to horse depending on the individual case. Younger horses routinely require their teeth checking every six months or so, whereas mature horses with good dental conformation may well only require checking every year.
Please contact the practice to discuss your horse’s particular requirements with one of our vets.
This chewing process is indicated in these pictures.