Emma South Equine Dentist

WELCOME TO EMMA SOUTH'S HORSE DENTISTRY WEBSITE
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Do you know how important it is to get your horse's teeth regularly checked? Problems with teeth can lead to Horses becoming head shy and developing head tossing. It can also cause them to rear up or be generally unsettled and not perform well. Bad habits can develop and may be difficult to break, sometimes re-schooling may be needed.

NOVEMBER 2007
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Dental care should start as soon as the horse or pony becomes a yearling. This is important as any sharp edges on teeth need to be removed before they cause more serious and expensive problems later on.
After the first visit by a Dental Technician, it is recommended that two visits per year be
scheduled; Your Equine Dental Technician will advise you.

OCTOBER 2007
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Why do the edges of a horse's or pony's teeth get too sharp?
The upper jaw is wider than the lower jaw to allow it to move in a circular motion. Unfortunately this can lead to sharp edges developing on the outside of the upper cheek teeth.

A HORSE'S

TEETH

• Twelve premolars
• Twelve cheek teeth
• Twelve incisors
• 4 or 5 canine teeth
• Possibly 1 or 2 wolf teeth

Tooth wear in horses is often uneven, resulting in sharp edges developing on their teeth that reduce chewing efficiency, interfere with jaw motion, and in extreme cases can even cut into the tongue or cheek, making eating and being ridden extremely painful. For many performance-related problems, a quick dental check and appropriate treatment can often solve problems before undertaking more expensive, complex and time consuming diagnostic procedures..