Berwyn Equine Dentistry

21/11/2025

Set up ready for our dentistry talk to clwyd welsh pony and cob association Lee Shakeshaft Equine Dentist.

13/11/2025

11/11/2025

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When did your older horse last have a dental examination?

As winter approaches, and there is less grazing available, it’s really important to address the dental health of your geriatric horses.

Older horses are more susceptible to dental issues due to natural changes in their teeth over time, so regular check ups are so important to ensure their comfort and maximum chewing ability.

Common dental issues found in geriatric horses include: Sharp enamel points, senile diastemata, periodontal disease, wear abnormalities, displaced teeth, mobile teeth, absent teeth, infundibular caries and equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH).

Equine teeth naturally wear down over their lifetime due to having hypsondont dentition. As the tooth wears apically, the enamel thickness decreases, resulting in a thinner enamel layer on the chewing (occlusal) surface. Another structural change, which affects the upper teeth, involves the infundibula. Infundibula only extend through 80-90% of the reserve crown; over time these infundibulum will wear out. With thinner enamel and worn infundibula, the teeth become more prone to wear, leading to a faster rate of attrition. This results in smoother teeth surfaces, which can reduce the efficiency of chewing hay.
These age-related changes create irregular wear patterns, contributing to uneven crown height and therefore further compromising chewing effectiveness.

Another physiological age related change is the natural tapering of the teeth which will lead to the development of gaps between the teeth which can trap food and lead to periodontal (gum) disease, mobile teeth and even tooth loss. These gaps are called senile diastemata. In cases of senile diastemata, treatment should be on a case by case basis. Early identification and long term management is really important to ensure the comfort of your horse.

If your older horse does have difficulty chewing hay due to compromised grinding surfaces, dietary changes may need to be considered such as switching to fibre mashes to ensure adequate nutritional intake. It’s important to discuss with your EDT or Vet if this is the case.

Horses are known for their stoic nature, which means they often don’t show obvious signs of discomfort until dental issues are advanced. This highlights the importance of frequent dental care, ideally every six months for older horses, to ensure their comfort and identify any problems early to give them the best chance of prolonging their chewing efficiency.

Visit www.baedt.com to find a qualified equine dental technician near you!

03/11/2025

First day back from our holiday in Ireland and im treating celebrities! None other than the amazing 'Bob' the cob from free rein. Harriet was very jealous when i told her

24/10/2025

Just heading home from a very interesting day at Hartpury listening to lectures and learning about bit and bridle fitting from equibit fit. So many different factors to consider, definitely would recommend people using experts like Géraldine Vandevenne to get the best from their horses.
https://www.equibitfit.com/en/
Lee Shakeshaft Equine Dentist.

22/10/2025

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25/09/2025

Some big wolf teeth spotted in a 2yo shire last week! You may also notice the caps (baby teeth) not far off coming out on the teeth directly behind.

17/09/2025

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Hello Autumn! 🍁🍂

As you prepare for the colder months ahead, now is the perfect time to ensure your horse’s dental care is up to date. If it’s been over a year since their last treatment, it’s really important to have them checked before winter. It’s especially important in older horses who may be prone to weight loss or may have reduced chewing surfaces.

A thorough dental treatment will ensure your horse is free from discomfort, detect early signs of dental disease, improve chewing efficiency, and allow them to perform at their best. Regular dental care will also help prevent future dental problems.

All our BAEDT members receive extensive training and are rigorously examined, ensuring the highest standards of care. Each member is approved by BEVA/BVDA, so you can feel confident your horse is in experienced hands.

Take the first step in preparing your horse for winter. Visit www.baedt.com to find a qualified equine dental technician near you!

24/07/2025

Please note- we are away on holiday now until August so will not be replying to messages. We shall catch up once we get back. Thanks for your understanding!

16/07/2025

Yesterday we saw a lovely pony who unfortunately was missing its lower 8s, meaning the upper 8s were erupting into the spaces left, locking the jaw into place.