FAQS About Equine Dentistry
How do I know that my horse needs to see a equine dentist?
The following may be signs that your horse needs to see a dentist
Quidding - packing food in cheeks
Dropping food while eating
Fussy eater or decreased appetite
Excessive appetite
Low body condition or loss of top line
Potty belly
Halitosis - Bad smelling breath
Head tossing while riding
Evading contact
Turning better on one rein compared to the other
Remember, these are just signs of issues in your horse’s mouth, even if your
horse isn’t exhibiting signs of dental issues he will still need to be checked to prevent any potential problems from developing.
How often should my horse see a equine dentist?
As a general rule we recommend that;
Horses under 5 see a dentist every 6 months - young horses are going through a very important stage in their lives when they shed caps (baby teeth) and their permanent teeth are erupting through the gum and coming into occlusion (contact with opposing teeth). If caps are retained (not lost at the appropriate time) this can affect the eruption of permanent teeth, the balance of the horses mouth and cause potential issues in the future.
Horses 5 to 19 years see a dentist every 10 months- horses teeth erupt through the gum line at a rate of 3mm a year, if your horse is experiencing dental problems by waiting the full year before retreatment you have allowed the tooth enough time to erupt back into its original incorrect position and therefore you will never be able to correct the problem. By getting your horse rechecked at 10 months you are ensuring that you get on top of the problem before it can progress. Even if your horse isn't experiencing dental problems at the moment by getting them checked every 10 months you are able to recognise early warning signs and put in the correct actions to prevent issues developing.
Horses over 20 see a dentist every 6 months- as a horse ages especially after the age of 19 their teeth are closer to coming to the end of their life which is when there is no reserve crown (spare tooth) under the gum left. Because of this fact horses are more likely to experience age related problems such as periodontal disease, loss of teeth and therefore over eruption of opposing teeth and movement of adjacent teeth, inability to properly grind food and food impaction which is why it is important that they are seen on a regular basis to ensure they can have the best mouth possible for as long as possible.
What are wolf teeth?
In primitive horses wolf teeth were fully developed premolars, which over time due to evolution they have reduced to such a small size that they serve no purpose to todays equines. However due to their location, wearing a bit irritates these teeth and the surrounding gingiva, causing the horse discomfort or pain. This in turn can result in behavioural problems when wearing a bit, such as; avoiding the contact, head flicking or tossing, difficulty turning on one or both reins. Bits may also cause the tooth to fracture, risking further pain, infection and disease. Not all horses have wolf teeth and those that do can have up to 4. Wolf teeth are routinely removed when a horse is between 2.5-3 years of age, ideally before they are mouthed and bitted, as part of their first equine dental check up. Wolf teeth may be removed at any age if present, extraction is performed with or without sedation depending on the situation.
What is bit seating and why do you do it?
A good Equine Dentist will create bitseats for your horse to ensure greater comfort for the horse when wearing a bit. Bitseating is when the dentist rounds the first premolar (first cheek tooth) in each arcade, upper and lower, to create a ‘seat’ for the bit to rest in. A horse that has not been bitseated properly may show reluctance to accept the bit or display signs of discomfort.
How do I know if an Equine Dentist is Qualified?
There are a number of Equine Dentists/Technicians in New Zealand and it can be hard choosing the right one. First of all, you should look at their qualifications – do they have any? And where were they obtained? Just because the training took place overseas does not mean it is superior quality! The New Zealand Equine Dentistry School (NZEDS) is the first and only government recognized school for equine dentistry in the world. This means that they are regulated and are held to a higher standard than other schools. The course consists of a significantly
large number of cases including advanced procedures not taught in other schools.
How much does it cost?
We offer dental check ups for free and routine dental treatment is at a cost of $100 per horse. Your horse may need work done that doesn't come under routine dental care but you will be advised of any additional costs before you agree to give the go ahead for treatment.
Do you travel to other areas?
We are based in Pokeno, but cover the Franklin district to as far north as Dairy Flat
How do I know that my horse needs to see a equine dentist?
The following may be signs that your horse needs to see a dentist
Quidding - packing food in cheeks
Dropping food while eating
Fussy eater or decreased appetite
Excessive appetite
Low body condition or loss of top line
Potty belly
Halitosis - Bad smelling breath
Head tossing while riding
Evading contact
Turning better on one rein compared to the other
Remember, these are just signs of issues in your horse’s mouth, even if your
horse isn’t exhibiting signs of dental issues he will still need to be checked to prevent any potential problems from developing.
How often should my horse see a equine dentist?
As a general rule we recommend that;
Horses under 5 see a dentist every 6 months - young horses are going through a very important stage in their lives when they shed caps (baby teeth) and their permanent teeth are erupting through the gum and coming into occlusion (contact with opposing teeth). If caps are retained (not lost at the appropriate time) this can affect the eruption of permanent teeth, the balance of the horses mouth and cause potential issues in the future.
Horses 5 to 19 years see a dentist every 10 months- horses teeth erupt through the gum line at a rate of 3mm a year, if your horse is experiencing dental problems by waiting the full year before retreatment you have allowed the tooth enough time to erupt back into its original incorrect position and therefore you will never be able to correct the problem. By getting your horse rechecked at 10 months you are ensuring that you get on top of the problem before it can progress. Even if your horse isn't experiencing dental problems at the moment by getting them checked every 10 months you are able to recognise early warning signs and put in the correct actions to prevent issues developing.
Horses over 20 see a dentist every 6 months- as a horse ages especially after the age of 19 their teeth are closer to coming to the end of their life which is when there is no reserve crown (spare tooth) under the gum left. Because of this fact horses are more likely to experience age related problems such as periodontal disease, loss of teeth and therefore over eruption of opposing teeth and movement of adjacent teeth, inability to properly grind food and food impaction which is why it is important that they are seen on a regular basis to ensure they can have the best mouth possible for as long as possible.
What are wolf teeth?
In primitive horses wolf teeth were fully developed premolars, which over time due to evolution they have reduced to such a small size that they serve no purpose to todays equines. However due to their location, wearing a bit irritates these teeth and the surrounding gingiva, causing the horse discomfort or pain. This in turn can result in behavioural problems when wearing a bit, such as; avoiding the contact, head flicking or tossing, difficulty turning on one or both reins. Bits may also cause the tooth to fracture, risking further pain, infection and disease. Not all horses have wolf teeth and those that do can have up to 4. Wolf teeth are routinely removed when a horse is between 2.5-3 years of age, ideally before they are mouthed and bitted, as part of their first equine dental check up. Wolf teeth may be removed at any age if present, extraction is performed with or without sedation depending on the situation.
What is bit seating and why do you do it?
A good Equine Dentist will create bitseats for your horse to ensure greater comfort for the horse when wearing a bit. Bitseating is when the dentist rounds the first premolar (first cheek tooth) in each arcade, upper and lower, to create a ‘seat’ for the bit to rest in. A horse that has not been bitseated properly may show reluctance to accept the bit or display signs of discomfort.
How do I know if an Equine Dentist is Qualified?
There are a number of Equine Dentists/Technicians in New Zealand and it can be hard choosing the right one. First of all, you should look at their qualifications – do they have any? And where were they obtained? Just because the training took place overseas does not mean it is superior quality! The New Zealand Equine Dentistry School (NZEDS) is the first and only government recognized school for equine dentistry in the world. This means that they are regulated and are held to a higher standard than other schools. The course consists of a significantly
large number of cases including advanced procedures not taught in other schools.
How much does it cost?
We offer dental check ups for free and routine dental treatment is at a cost of $100 per horse. Your horse may need work done that doesn't come under routine dental care but you will be advised of any additional costs before you agree to give the go ahead for treatment.
Do you travel to other areas?
We are based in Pokeno, but cover the Franklin district to as far north as Dairy Flat