What Causes Caries In Horses?

Dental caries in your horse refers to tooth decay. The cause is an imbalance of the pH of your horse’s mouth resulting in plaque buildup. This condition can create secondary problems for your horse if left unchecked.

What causes tooth decay in horses?

The definitive cause for tooth decay is unknown, but it’s highly suspected that it’s a result of changes in the pH of the horse’s mouth. It’s thought that bacteria ferment food in the horse’s mouth and produce acid, lowering the pH.

What are caries in horses?

Caries is the destruction of dental tissue by bacteria in the mouth, and occurs in a similar manner to people. In the horse caries can be found on the sides of the teeth (‘peripheral’ caries), or on the ‘grinding’ surface of the upper cheek teeth, in an area of tooth known as the infundibulum.

Do horses get caries?

Dental Caries in horses is a relatively recent discovery; however, we are recognising that if identified early, it is possible to prevent more severe dental disease such as fractures and pulp root infections. In horses, there are 2 different types of caries- peripheral and infundibular.

What can cause rampant caries?

Rampant caries can stem from a variety of factors, such as poor diet, mouth pH, root recession and weakened enamel. Anyone of any age is susceptible to cavities, but luckily there are treatments that can restore your oral health.

What are a few signs of serious dental problems in horses?

What are the signs?

• Halitosis (bad smelling breath)
• Quidding (dropping partially chewed food particularly over the stable door or around the feed bucket)
• Reduced appetite/difficulty eating/slow eating.
• Food packing within cheeks.
• Poorly digested food in droppings.
• Weight loss.

Do canine teeth in horses need to be removed?

If it is a minor fracture, the tooth can be re-shaped without causing any further issues. If it is a major fracture, a canine may need to be removed.

How is caries treated?

A dentist can prescribe fluoride treatments like mouthwash or varnish to reverse early tooth decay. You’ll probably need a filling if you have a hole (cavity) in your tooth. If tooth decay has reached the soft tissue (pulp) in the middle of your tooth, you may need root canal treatment.

What are the signs and symptoms of caries?

Symptoms

• Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause.
• Tooth sensitivity.
• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold.
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth.
• Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth.
• Pain when you bite down.

What are the 4 methods of caries intervention?

No Treatment of Carious Lesions or Extraction
This study compared 4 different interventions: (1) full dental treatment (ART and extractions), (2) only extractions, (3) only restorations using ART, and (4) no treatment.

How often should a horse have a dentist?

A good rule-of-thumb is that a horse’s teeth should be examined at least once a year but in some cases checks may be carried out two or three times a year.

How often should a horse go to the dentist?

A juvenile horse should have a dental examination when it is foaled, at three months and then every six months until age five. For healthy adult horses, a yearly dental examination is recommended. Horses older than 20 or with a history of dental problems should return to a twice yearly schedule.

How often do horses need their teeth floated?

every 6 months
How often should my horse be floated? Your horse should be examined and have a routine dental float at least once a year. Depending on your horse’s age, breed, history, and performance use, we may recommend that they be examined every 6 months.

Can caries be reversible?

Tooth decay is only reversible when it affects the enamel of the tooth. Once decay progresses to the dentine below the enamel, it is irreversible. If your dentist spots the decay in its very early stages, you might be able to avoid the drill.

How do you stop caries from spreading?

Cavities spawned by acid-generating bacteria will only continue to expand if surrounded by the acid in sugar. If you have a craving for something sugary, rinse out your mouth with water immediately after indulging. If possible, clean your teeth with floss and toothpaste in an attempt to slow the rate of tooth decay.

Can caries be cured?

Treatment of cavities depends on how severe they are and your particular situation. Treatment options include: Fluoride treatments. If your cavity just started, a fluoride treatment may help restore your tooth’s enamel and can sometimes reverse a cavity in the very early stages.

What are 5 signs a horse may need dental work?

Signs Your Horse Is Having Dental Problems
Loss of body condition. Large or undigested feed particles in manure. Head tilting or tossing, bit chewing, tongue lolling, fighting the bit, or resisting bridling. Nasal discharge or swelling of the face, jaw, or mouth tissues.

When should a horse first see a dentist?

Most horses should have their first dental float between 2 and 2 1/2 years of age. Young horses start shedding their first deciduous (baby) teeth at 2 1/2 years of age, so this is an important time to have a good oral exam performed under sedation.

At what age should my horse see a dentist?

Many equine veterinarians agree the first dental should take place between six and 12 months of age. At Exclusively Equine, we usually conduct your horse’s first dental examination at nine to twelve months of age, unless dental problems are encountered earlier.

What teeth should horses have removed?

Many equine dental veterinarians recommend the removal of cheek teeth to avoid these bit issues, while creating more space in the horse’s mouth to easily examine, clean and contour the upper and lower cheek teeth.

How much does it cost to extract a horses tooth?

To have it done separately, it would cost between $25-50, so let’s give it a value here, across all horses – mares (who don’t need it) and males – of $20 per horse.