Clinical insights: Equine dentistry.

This research article provides an overview of the recent advancements in equine dental research, specifically focusing on the understanding of the epidemiology of diseases affecting oral health in horses. The research sheds light on peripheral caries and fissure fractures. The studies indicate that the incidence of these conditions is possibly higher than previously thought, with certain environmental and lifestyle factors notably influencing oral health.

Epidemiology and Peripheral Caries

• The study gives details on peripheral caries or tooth decay, which is a common dental issue in horses. The researchers have focused on the prevalence, causes, and treatment of this condition.
• The occurrence of peripheral caries was examined in clinical cases and cadavers. The incidences varied in different locations. Some studies reported a prevalence never exceeding 6.1%, but in some populations, the incidence was as high as 69.4%.
• The document suggests that dietary habits, such as elevated quantities of high water-soluble carbohydrates in hay, are associated with an increase in peripheral caries.
• The type of water that horses drink might also factor into the prevalence of peripheral caries. It was noted that horses drinking dam water were most likely to have peripheral caries, followed by those drinking rainwater.
• The researchers also established a connection between the prevalence of peripheral caries and the presence of other dental disorders. However, the primary condition is not clear.

Fissure Fractures

• The research also delves into fissure fractures of equine cheek teeth, even though their clinical relevance is not fully understood.
• There have been suggestions that these fractures might provide an avenue for bacterial infection of the pulp tissues and may also lead to complete fractures.
• The prevalence of fissure fractures was found to be 72% in a recent study, which is higher than any previous clinical studies.
• The document also proposed a classification system for the different types of fissure fractures, that could prove useful in understanding and diagnosing these fractures.