Holistic Equine Dentistry
Cindy
frequently works with Casey Jones, a Certified Equine Dentist. We
utilize Animal Communication, Reiki, therapeutic grade essential oils,
homeopathy and flower essences. With these forms of healing and
support, many clients have found that frequently there is no need for
sedation while performing equine dentistry. It is much less stressful
for the horse when done in a holistic way, in partnership and with
compassion and understanding.
Because of what I have learned about equine dentistry, I do not advocate using power tools to float the mouth, unless there is no other way. I have found in many of my clients horses, whether in person, or doing readings, that power takes an unfortunate toll on the horse. Whether it's the use of over sedation, hanging the heads (which is an incorrect angle of doing teeth) , taking too much teeth off and mowing the molar table down to where it's smooth, incorrect angles, too much heat on the dentum of the teeth, and/or the use of opening the speculum too far to get the power tools in, has caused so many horses unnecessary trauma. The aftermath can be quite severe.
Because of what I have learned about equine dentistry, I do not advocate using power tools to float the mouth, unless there is no other way. I have found in many of my clients horses, whether in person, or doing readings, that power takes an unfortunate toll on the horse. Whether it's the use of over sedation, hanging the heads (which is an incorrect angle of doing teeth) , taking too much teeth off and mowing the molar table down to where it's smooth, incorrect angles, too much heat on the dentum of the teeth, and/or the use of opening the speculum too far to get the power tools in, has caused so many horses unnecessary trauma. The aftermath can be quite severe.
Important facts from Casey regarding young horses and their development. For those of you that may have behavior problems with your horses, especially youngsters, have your equine dentist take a look in the mouth for caps and new teeth, it's frequently the root of the problem.
A horse is born with a total of 12 molars ~ 3 upper molars and 3 lower molars on each side, Total of 12 molars at birth
At 6 - 8 days ~ 4 incisors erupt 2 upper and 2 lower central incisors
6 weeks, 2 more upper and 2 more lower incisors on either side of the central incisors
6 months 4 more come in, 2 upper and 2 lower , corner incisors
6 months the 2 wolf teeth erupt (its possible to have none to 4 wolf teeth in varying positions)
The last Permanent teeth come in at 2 , 3, and 4. The last 12 molars that come in, never have caps, only come in as permanent teeth
At 2 1/2 ~ the youngsters get their first permanent teeth, 4 molars and 4 incisors ( losing their caps.)
The
permanent tooth is 3 inches long in total. The whole permanent tooth
erupts from upper and lower jaw bone. They are not down completely
until 3 years of age. This is a 6 month process to break through gum.
Also the four incisors caps come out over the next 6 months until they
are in wear.
At 3 years old ~ the next molar caps come off and it's another 6 months until the new teeth are in wear.
At 3 1/2
~ the 3 molars come in and start to line up. They also lose 4 caps and
it is another 6 months until those teeth start to wear.
At 4 1/2 ~ 4 incisors caps come off and permanent teeth erupt.
Then the last three molars in upper and lower come in ,( total of 6) and they are perment teeth, never having caps . This makes the 4 th molar the oldest tooth in the mouth and we look for the wear in older horses.
Then the last three molars in upper and lower come in ,( total of 6) and they are perment teeth, never having caps . This makes the 4 th molar the oldest tooth in the mouth and we look for the wear in older horses.
At 5 yrs ~ all permanent teeth are in and mouth is ready to "go to work" with bit, etc.
So in summary:
At 2 1/2 - 8 permanent teeth are coming in
At 3 yrs - 4 molars coming in
At 3 1/2 - 8 permanent teeth , 4 molars and 4 incisors, are coming in
At 4 yrs - 4 more molars come in
At 4 1/2 - 4 remaining incisors come in
At 5 all teeth in and starting to wear if everything is balanced.
At 3 yrs - 4 molars coming in
At 3 1/2 - 8 permanent teeth , 4 molars and 4 incisors, are coming in
At 4 yrs - 4 more molars come in
At 4 1/2 - 4 remaining incisors come in
At 5 all teeth in and starting to wear if everything is balanced.
The most crucial time in a horses mouth is
when many trainers are starting youngsters from 2 to 4 1/2 yeas old .
The bit is most
painful until they are 3, but the whole mouth is in this tooth process
until they are 5. The bumps under the jowl are the teeth trying to cut
through the gum to come up and knock out the caps.
Equine dentistry is extremely
important, especially for the young horse being started with a bit. So
make sure you and your trainer are observing your youngster and taking
care of their teeth during this time period.
.
For more information about
Equine Dentistry, an excellent resource is "Oral Health in Equidae" by
Dale Jeffrey ( www.horsedentistry.com )
Disclaimer: These modalities of healing and education are designed to enhance the healing process and not intended to take the place of good medical and veterinary care.
