Topic:Dental Health
Dental health in horses encompasses the study of the structure, function, and maintenance of equine teeth and oral tissues. It involves understanding the anatomy of horse teeth, which are adapted for grinding fibrous plant material, and the common dental issues that can arise, such as malocclusions, sharp enamel points, and periodontal disease. Regular dental examinations and treatments are essential for ensuring proper mastication and overall well-being. This topic covers the research and findings related to equine dental anatomy, common dental pathologies, and the impact of dental health on nutrition and performance. The collection includes peer-reviewed studies and scholarly articles that explore diagnostic techniques, treatment strategies, and preventive care practices in equine dentistry.
Pathological studies of cheek teeth apical infections in the horse: 1. Normal endodontic anatomy and dentinal structure of equine cheek teeth. Morphological examinations were performed on 100 normal equine cheek teeth (CT) of 1-12 years dental age (i.e. time since eruption), using gross examination, dissection microscopy, computerised axial tomography, and decalcified and undecalcified histology. The CT in Triadan 07-10 positions consistently had five pulp horns, but the 06 CT had an additional pulp horn more rostrally. Mandibular and maxillary Triadan 11s had six and seven pulp horns, respectively. Sections of CT taken 2-6mm below the occlusal surface (variation due to normal undulating occlusal surface) showed the presence of pulp ...
Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis. A poorly described, painful disorder of incisor and canine teeth, variably causing periodontitis, with resorptive or proliferative changes of the calcified dental tissues, has recently been documented in aged horses. No plausible aetiopathogenesis for this syndrome has been recorded. Eighteen diseased teeth from eight horses were examined grossly and microscopically and showed the presence of odontoclastic cells by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. A chronological sequence of odontoclastic resorption followed by hypercementosis was demonstrated and, consequently, the term eq...
Prevalence of occlusal pulpar exposure in 110 equine cheek teeth with apical infections and idiopathic fractures. Examination of 110 cheek teeth (CT) that were clinically extracted (between 2004 and 2008) because of apical infection (n=79; mean dental age 3.5 years) or idiopathic CT fractures (n=31; median dental age 8.5 years), including examinations of transverse and longitudinal sections, showed the apical infections to be mainly (68%) due to anachoresis, with the residual cases caused by periodontal spread, infundibular caries spread, fissure fractures and dysplasia. The idiopathic fracture patterns were similar to previously described patterns. Occlusal pulpar exposure was found in 32% of apically in...
A long-term study of apicoectomy and endodontic treatment of apically infected cheek teeth in 12 horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of apicoectomy and retrograde endodontic treatment in 12 horses with apical cheek teeth infections. The affected apices were removed using a diamond bur mounted on a dental drill, and after pulp removal the root canals were filed with Hedstrøm files and then alternately flushed with sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol. The pulp canals were dried and filled with endodontic cement and gutta-percha points. An undercut was made in the apical aspect of the root canals that were then sealed with self-curing glass ionomer cem...
Pathological studies of cheek teeth apical infections in the horse: 3. Quantitative measurements of dentine in apically infected cheek teeth. Histological measurements of dimensions of primary, regular secondary and irregular secondary dentine, pulp diameter and assessment of the levels of predentine, resting lines and enlarged areas of intertubular dentine were performed in apically infected mandibular and maxillary cheek teeth (CT). These examinations showed significantly reduced regular and irregular secondary dentine thickness in diseased as compared to control CT, with 21/26 infected maxillary CT and 15/18 infected mandibular CT having reduced regular secondary dentine (varying between 27.4% and 89.1% reduced secondary dentine ...
The relationship between cheek tooth occlusal morphology, apparent digestibility, and ingesta particle size reduction in horses. To investigate potential relationships between cheek tooth occlusal morphology, apparent feed digestibility, and the reduction in feed particle size that occurs during digestion in horses. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: 17 horses of various ages and breeds and either sex. Methods: Horses were fed 1 of 3 hay-based diets ad libitum for 14 days prior to euthanasia; nutrient analysis was performed on samples of each of the 3 diets. At the time of postmortem examination, the head was disarticulated, photographs were taken of the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular cheek toot...
Occlusal angles of cheek teeth in normal horses and horses with dental disease. The angle between the occlusal surface of the tooth and the horizontal plane of 687 cheek teeth from the skulls of 22 horses without gross dental disorders and 11 horses with dental disorders were measured by using stiff malleable wire as an imprint. Each measurement was repeated five times and the mean angle was recorded. In the normal skulls, the mean occlusal angles of the mandibular cheek teeth ranged from 19.2 degrees at the Triadan 06 position to 30 degrees at the 11 position, and these angles were significantly greater than the occlusal angles of the opposing maxillary cheek teeth (rang...
[Prevalence of dental disorders in 483 horses and ponies]. Prevalence of dental disorders in 483 horses and ponies Five equine veterinarians working at three equine referral hospitals examined the oral cavity of 483 horses and ponies prior to surgery, to gain information about the prevalence of common dental disorders in the horse. A thorough examination, using hands/fingers, a full-mouth speculum, a dental mirror and a good light source, is essential to detect such disorders. Many horses examined needed dental attention even though there were no problems with mastication or riding. The most detected abnormalities were sharp enamel points on the bucca...
Histologic and micro-computed tomographic evaluation of the osseointegration of a nonresorbable bone substitute in alveoli of ponies after tooth extraction. To evaluate the biological behavior of a nonresorbable bone substitute (NRBS) in the alveoli of ponies, compared with tissue quality in naturally healing alveoli, after cheek tooth extraction. Methods: 5 clinically normal ponies. Methods: In each pony, both maxillary fourth premolars (Triadan 108/208) were repulsed bilaterally during anesthesia. One randomly chosen alveolus was filled with NRBS and isolated from the oral cavity by use of dental impression material and a spring-wire retention device. The other alveolus was occluded in its occlusal third portion with dental impression material. ...
Donkey dental anatomy. Part 1: Gross and computed axial tomography examinations. Post-mortem examination of 19 donkey skulls showed that donkeys have a greater degree of anisognathia (27% width difference between upper and lower jaws) compared to horses (23%). Teeth (n=108) were collected from 14 skulls and examined grossly and by computed axial tomography (CAT). A greater degree of peripheral enamel infolding was found in mandibular cheek teeth (CT) compared to maxillary CT (P<0.001). A significant increase in peripheral cementum from the apical region to the clinical crown was demonstrated in all CT (P16 years) than in the younger (<15 years) donkeys studied. Based...
Biomechanical evaluation of equine masticatory action: position and curvature of equine cheek teeth and age-related changes. The equine cheek tooth battery is part of a very dynamic system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the curvature and position of the teeth are also involved in such dynamical processes. The alveolar crest was labelled with a radiodense marker (48 cadaver heads, 15 skulls) and laterolateral radiographs were taken. Then a geometrical method was elaborated to determine a cheek tooth's curvature and its position by means of specific angles. This method respects the remarkable changes of the equine dentition throughout life by considering two items: (1) the alveolar crest was taken a...
Comparison of the microhardness of enamel, primary and regular secondary dentine of the incisors of donkeys and horses. The microhardness of the enamel, primary dentine and regular secondary dentine of seven donkey and six horse incisors was determined with a Knoop indenter at the subocclusal and mid-tooth level. The mean microhardnesses of the donkey incisor enamel, primary dentine and secondary dentine were 264.6 63.00 and 53.6 Knoop Hardness Number, respectively. There was no significant difference between the microhardness of the enamel and primary dentine on the incisors of the donkeys and horses, but the microhardness of the regular secondary dentine of the donkeys' incisors at the mid-tooth level was sli...
Post mortem survey of dental disorders in 349 donkeys from an aged population (2005-2006). Part 2: epidemiological studies. Dental disorders have recently been recognised as having major clinical and welfare implications in donkeys. However, no investigation appears to have examined the association of dental disorders with managemental factors and any intercurrent illness. Objective: To determine the association of dental disorders observed in a post mortem study with age group, body condition score, time since last dental treatment, feeding and the illness that necessitated euthanasia or caused death. Methods: A prospective study documented the type and prevalence of dental disorders in 349 mainly aged donkeys (me...
Treatment of equine cheek teeth by mechanical widening of diastemata in 60 horses (2000-2006). Cheek teeth (CT) diastemata are a significant cause of painful dental disease in horses and limited factual information is available on the treatment of this disorder. Objective: To assess the response to mechanical widening in the treatment of diastema. Methods: Details of the presenting signs and treatment of cases of CT diastema by widening were recorded and the response to treatment of these cases assessed by re-examinations and by obtaining follow-up information from owners. Results: Sixty horses of various breeds, median age 9 years, with clinically significant CT diastemata were classif...
A retrospective evaluation of 204 diagonal incisor malocclusion corrections in the horse. The goal of this retrospective study was to record the direction of the diagonal incisor malocclusion (DIM) and excursion to molar contact (EMC) distances both before and after corrective procedures to determine if any general trends were apparent which may aid in predicting the outcome of DIM corrections. Pre-correction and post-correction data were compared to confirm a benefit to the patient from the corrective procedure. The results of this preliminary study reveal a few general trends to serve as basic guidelines for the practitioner Lateral EMC distances to the left and right in cases of...
Immunohistochemical detection of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in the periodontal ligament of equine cheek teeth. The hypsodont equine cheek tooth erupts continuously throughout life. The collagen fibers of the periodontal ligament (PDL) have to remodel constantly to allow the tooth to move in an occlusal direction. Remodeling of the collagen fiber bundles needs to be well-coordinated in order to maintain functional tooth support. The aim of this study was to examine the role of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in the collagen remodeling of the equine PDL under physiological conditions. Specimens containing the PDL interposed between the dental cementum and the alveolar bone were taken from nine Warmblo...
Equine idiopathic cheek teeth fractures: part 2: a practice-based survey of 147 affected horses in Britain and Ireland. There is limited information on the prevalence of idiopathic cheek teeth (CT) fractures in the general equine population and on which CT are most commonly affected. Objective: To obtain information on the prevalence of fracture patterns and clinical details of idiopathic CT fractures. Methods: Details of cases with idiopathic CT fractures encountered were obtained via a questionnaire sent to suitably experienced veterinary practitioners and equine dental technicians (EDTs). Results: Details of 147 horses that suffered a total of 182 idiopathic CT fractures; and median 0.4% (range 0.07-5.9%) of...
Equine idiopathic cheek teeth fractures: part 3: a hospital-based survey of 68 referred horses (1999-2005). There is limited information available on the more serious sequellae of idiopathic cheek teeth (CT) fractures. Objective: To obtain information on clinical and ancillary diagnostic findings in referred horses with idiopathic CT fractures. Methods: Details of all horses suffering from idiopathic CT fractures referred to the Equine Hospital at the University of Edinburgh 1999-2005 were examined, and information concerning fracture patterns, clinical and ancillary diagnostic findings, treatments and long-term response to treatments were obtained and analysed. Results: A total of 60 maxillary and ...
Equine idiopathic cheek teeth fractures. Part 1: Pathological studies on 35 fractured cheek teeth. There is little published information on the pathology of idiopathic fractures of cheek teeth (CT). Objective: To perform pathological examinations on equine CT with idiopathic fractures in order to establish fracture patterns and to gain information on their aetiopathogenesis. Objective: Gross and histological examination of CT with idiopathic fractures, including measurements of dentinal thickness, will provide information on fracture patterns, and on the duration and aetiopathogenesis of these fractures. Methods: Of 35 CT with idiopathic fractures that were examined to determine their fract...
Evaluation of periodontal changes following intra-alveolar prosthesis for maxillary cheek tooth extraction in ponies. This study investigated the placement of an intra-alveolar prosthesis of bone substitute on gingival/periodontal health in 5 ponies following repulsion of cheek teeth 108 and 208. In each pony, one randomly chosen alveolus was allowed to heal by second intention while the other was filled with a non-resorbable, biocompatible bone substitute. At 6, 12 and 24-months after surgery, both maxillary arches were evaluated for wear abnormalities and for gingival health using a periodontal scoring system. Recorded changes included development of overgrowths on mandibular cheek teeth, widening of maxill...
Evidence-based equine dentistry: preventive medicine. Dental problems are some of the most common reasons for a horse to be presented to an equine veterinarian. Despite the importance of anecdotal evidence as a starting point, the science of equine dentistry (especially prophylactic dentistry) has remained poorly supported by evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment. In the 21st century, veterinarians have an ethical responsibility to promote and use the results of evidence-based research and not propagate statements attesting to the purported benefits of intervention without supporting research. Consider also that society is becoming...
Dental benign cementomas in three horses. Cementoma is a very rare odontogenic neoplasm of mesenchymal origin. Clinically, in 3 horses, multiple bony enlargements of the upper and lower jaw extending into the oral cavity were observed. Radiographically, multiple, well-circumscribed, radiopaque masses surrounding the roots of the upper and lower incisors or an upper premolar tooth were present. Due to malocclusion and local pain, single teeth were extracted in each case. Grossly, a hard grayish-white mass surrounding the root of the incisors and the premolars was identified. Histopathologically, the tumors consisted of excessive deposi...
Comparison of mandibular motion in horses chewing hay and pellets. Previous studies have suggested that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) kinematics depend on the type of food being masticated, but accurate measurements of TMJ motion in horses chewing different feeds have not been published. Objective: The temporomandibular joint has a larger range of motion when horses chew hay compared to pellets. Methods: An optical motion capture system was used to track skin markers on the skull and mandible of 7 horses as they chewed hay and pellets. A virtual marker was created on the midline between the mandibles at the level of the 4th premolar teeth to represent the ove...
Caries in the infundibulum of the second upper premolar tooth in the horse. Swedish equine dental practices have empirically found that the prevalence of infundibular caries as a primary disorder in the first permanent premolar teeth (P2) of the horse upper jaw has increased during the last 10 years. A previously unknown bacterial species, Streptococcus devriesei (CCUG 47155T), which is related to Streptococcus mutans, has recently been isolated from these carious lesions. To understand the aetiology of caries in horses, it is essential to elucidate the relationship between S. devriesei and P2 infundibular caries. Methods: The anterior infundibulum of maxillary P2, or...
Radiographic evaluation of tooth drift after cheek tooth extraction and insertion of an intra-alveolar prosthesis in ponies. The aim of the study was to investigate post-extraction tooth drift in ponies and the influence of an intra-alveolar prosthesis. The maxillary 08 was bilaterally repulsed in five ponies under general anaesthesia. On one side the alveolus was left to granulate, and on the other a synthetic bone substitute prosthesis was fitted. Standard radiographic projections of the head were taken monthly during the first year and at 24 months post-operatively. Different cephalometric parameters were measured and statistically analyzed. Rostral and caudal drift were recognized in molar and premolar teeth, re...
The effect of occlusal equilibration on sport horse performance. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of routine dental occlusal equilibration treatment on dressage horse performance. Sixteen horses (11 treated; 5 untreated) ridden by a single rider performed a standardized dressage test twice and were scored by two experienced dressage judges according to recognized movements and rider cues. All horses were sedated and a full-mouth speculum was used to facilitate a complete oral examination. Treated horses had dental equilibration performed using a motorized dental instrument. The horses performed a second test 48-hours after dental eq...
Epidemiology of impaction colic in donkeys in the UK. Colic (abdominal pain) is a clinical condition of serious concern affecting the welfare and survival of donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary in the UK. One of the most commonly reported causes is due to impacted ingesta in the large intestine ("impaction colic"). However little is known about the incidence of, or risk factors for, this condition. Here we describe the epidemiology of colic in donkeys, specifically impaction colic. We focus on temporal aspects of the disease and we identify environmental and management related risk factors for impaction colic in UK donkeys. Results: There were 807 co...
Dental and orofacial trauma in pony and horseback riding children. An epidemiological survey was carried among pony and horseback riding children in nine pony and horseback riding clubs, Istanbul. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental trauma in young pony and horse riders. A total of 214 children were interviewed to determine the occurrence of dental trauma during pony and horseback riding. Some 2.3% of participants (n = 5) had already been affected by dental and orofacial trauma. Horse riders experienced dental and/or orofacial trauma significantly more than the pony riders. Results revealed that these children's awareness...
Effect of rostrocaudal mobility of the mandible on feed digestibility and fecal particle size in horses. To evaluate the effect of rostrocaudal mobility (RCM) of the mandible during extension and flexion of the atlanto-occipital joint on weight gain, feed digestibility, and fecal particle size in horses. Methods: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: 34 pregnant mares housed in 1 barn. Methods: Horses were randomized into a treatment (n = 17) or control (17) group. All horses were sedated, and the distance between the rostral portions of the upper and lower incisor arcades was determined during extension and flexion of the atlanto-occipital joint; mandibular RCM was calculated as the difference b...
Use of a synthetic bone substitute to retard molariform tooth drift after maxillary tooth loss in ponies. To evaluate the effect of alveolar bone substitute on post-extraction drift of maxillary cheek teeth in ponies. Methods: In vivo longitudinal experimental study. Methods: Five ponies (5-7 years) with a healthy dentition. Methods: Both maxillary 4th premolar teeth (Triadan 08) were surgically removed. One alveolus was filled with a biocompatible non-resorbable bone substitute (Bioplant 24), whereas the other healed by second intention. A polyvinylsiloxane plug and spring wire isolated the bone substitute from the oral environment. Pathologic changes to dentition and adjacent soft tissue were re...