Equine Dental Care is More Than Just Floating Teeth

When you schedule an appointment for yourself at the dentist’s office, you usually mark off a whole afternoon on your calendar. You have X rays, get a thorough cleaning of each and every tooth, maybe get a tooth or two filled—and you almost

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When you schedule an appointment for yourself at the dentist’s office, you usually mark off a whole afternoon on your calendar. You have X rays, get a thorough cleaning of each and every tooth, maybe get a tooth or two filled—and you almost always receive a lecture on how you need to floss more. Although it seems tedious, you know routine checkups and diagnostic examinations contribute to the health of your teeth. Your horse is no different. His teeth deserve practically the same care you give your own teeth.


Wait a minute—an equine root canal? Ponies with cavities? Not exactly, but your horse probably needs more than just the “float” you gave him five years ago.


A Ton Of Teeth


The adult male horse has up to 44 permanent teeth, and a mare might have between 36 to 40 permanent teeth. Like humans, horses get two sets of teeth in their lifetime. The baby teeth, also know as deciduous teeth, are temporary. By age five, most horses will have their full set of permanent teeth

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AAEP Mission: To improve the health and welfare of the horse, to further the professional development of its members, and to provide resources and leadership for the benefit of the equine industry. More information: www.aaep.org.

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