South West Equine Dentistry

22/01/2025

True dat

It’s easy to overlook the dental needs of small ponies, especially those on restricted diets for weight management. However, these smaller equines sometimes face unique dental challenges due to the size of their petite heads. These tiny heads must accommodate the same number of teeth as their larger counterparts, 12 incisors and 24 molars, however with limited space it can often result in significant dental problems.

Smaller breeds, such as Welsh As, Welsh Bs, and Shetlands, are particularly prone to:

• Overcrowding and tooth displacement: This can lead to diastemata (gaps between teeth) and painful periodontal disease.

• Uneven wear patterns: Misaligned teeth wear abnormally, leading to occlusal overgrowths which can impact comfort and chewing efficiency.

• Missing molars: Due to lack of space sometimes molars are absent, therefore the opposing teeth will hyper-erupt, leading to large, very uncomfortable overgrowths that will continually worsen over time if not addressed. These large overgrowths will cause a lot of pain over their lifetime and will cause difficulty eating.

Routine dental checks, at least once or twice per year, are so important for ensuring:

• Early detection of dental disease and discomfort.

• Proper maintenance of chewing surfaces to promote efficient mastication.

• Comfort from sharp enamel points and occlusal overgrowths, which are inevitable without intervention.

Since horses, ponies, and donkeys have hypsodont teeth (continuously erupting throughout their lives), dental issues will ALWAYS escalate if left untreated.

At this time of year, equine dental technicians frequently encounter older small ponies struggling to chew hay. Often, these ponies have been overlooked due to their reputation as “good doers.” Unfortunately, by the time their difficulty eating is noticed, their dental issues may be severe, causing unnecessary pain and possibly even malnutrition.

By prioritising regular dental care, we can improve the welfare of these animals. Together, we can ensure they remain comfortable, healthy, and able to enjoy their food as they age.

21/01/2025

Security is tight today 😍😍

17/01/2025

Some really interesting cases this week of all shapes and sizes, ranging from beautiful showjumpers, very tasty eventers, gorgeous (and tall) dressage horses, and some stunning, and much loved, companions. Luckily, with a boot full of kit, there’s instruments to fit everyone.

Only one or two have ended the week with a tooth less than they started with 😂 (these were milk teeth, or ‘caps’ extracted from young equids where they had become wedged and retained by adjacent crowns).

A few more referral cases again this week, made all the more straightforward by the use of the dental endoscope 😍

13/01/2025

… so, there may be a small delay in getting back to everyone, but rest assured I will reply as soon as humanly possible 🫣

06/09/2024

It’s a common misconception that a horse’s teeth keep growing indefinitely. In reality, horses have evolved to have hypsodont dentition, meaning they have teeth with a large reserve crown that gradually erupts over their lifetime whilst being worn down through grazing.

The teeth erupt and wear down at a rate of approximately 2-4mm per year. This process means that the length of the hypsodont tooth is finite; eventually, the tooth will wear down completely as the horse ages.

If dental overgrowths occur and are not properly managed, they will continue to worsen over time because the teeth will continue erupting. Regular dental check-ups are essential to address these issues and maintain your horse’s oral health.

24/05/2024

Another satisfied customer 😂😂

07/05/2024

Have you recently welcomed a new horse in to your life?

It’s a good idea before you begin your journey with your new horse to make sure they have a dental check by a qualified professional. This gives you peace of mind that your horse is not in any pain or discomfort.

A comfortable mouth means better communication and optimal performance, making sure your relationship starts off on the best note.

Remember, horses, as prey animals, may not readily display signs of discomfort.
Every horse, pony, and donkey requires regular dental care for their overall health and wellbeing.

If you’re unsure of when your horse last had their dental check then don’t delay booking an appointment. To locate your nearest BAEDT member visit www.baedt.com

25/04/2024

Regular dental maintenance is an essential component of your horse’s wellbeing.

Here’s why it’s crucial:

⭐️ Prevents discomfort: By addressing issues early, we spare horses unnecessary pain.
⭐️ Early disease detection: Catching problems in their infancy prevents escalation.
⭐️ Maximum eating efficiency: Proper dental care allows the horse to chew its food efficiently for digestion.
⭐️ Optimised performance: Comfortable mouths lead to better communication and performance.
⭐️ Long-term dental health: Investing in regular maintenance now helps prevent dental disease in the later years.

Prioritising regular dental treatments is a necessity for your equine companion’s lifelong welfare.

Don’t delay on your horse’s dental appointment. To locate your nearest BAEDT member visit www.baedt.com 🐎
📸 Jake Paterson BAEDT

23/04/2024

📝 Recent research highlights a significant increase in dental disorders among horses aged 15 years and older 1️⃣

🔎 Common geriatric dental disorders include:

➡️ Sharp enamel points, diastemata, periodontal disease, wear abnormalities, displaced teeth, mobile teeth, infundibular caries and equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH)

Early identification and treatment of these dental problems are crucial for extending the quality of life for ageing horses.

It's important to remember that horses often mask signs of dental pain, so there may be no clinical signs until advanced stages of disease.

By prioritising proactive dental maintenance every 6-12 months from a young age, we can ensure our equine companions enjoy their golden years comfortably and healthily.

1️⃣ Du Toit, 2023

➡️ Visit www.baedt.com to locate an approved EDT in your area!

16/04/2024

Don’t dismiss the Donkey!

🫏 Studies have found that in the UK over 73% of donkeys have dental disorders with the prevalence of disorders increasing with age. These studies have revealed significant deterioration in donkey dental health between the ages of 10-15 years. 1️⃣,2️⃣

🦷 Common donkey dental disorders include:

➡️ Sharp enamel points, diastemata, periodontal disease, wear disorders, displaced teeth, mobile teeth, fractured teeth, pulpitis, infundibular and peripheral caries, equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH)

🫏 Donkeys are prey animals so may exhibit no clinical signs that they are in pain. 2️⃣

🫏 Dental disease can also be present in overweight donkeys. This can lead to dental disease being undiagnosed until advanced stages due to their dental health being overlooked. 2️⃣

🫏 Dental disease and the inability to chew efficiently relates to impaction colic. In donkeys impaction colic has a 51% higher mortality rate than horses. This highlights the critical importance of regular dental maintenance. 2️⃣

🫏 By ensuring donkeys have 6-12 monthly dental treatments from a young age, it will reduce the risk of donkeys having severe dental disease in later life, give them the best opportunity of having efficient chewing surfaces, and overall improve their quality of life. 1️⃣, 2️⃣

Don’t let them suffer in silence.
Every equine, every year 🦷

1️⃣ Du Toit et al,2009
2️⃣ Fernández et al, 2023

08/04/2024

Why choose a qualified and fully insured BAEDT member for your equine dental care needs?

⭐️ Rigorously trained and examined: BAEDT members undergo extensive training and rigorous examinations over several years to gain the BEVA/BVDA qualification, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide the highest standards of dental care.

⭐️ Commitment to Continued Professional Development (CPD): BAEDT members are committed to staying up to date with the latest advancements in equine dentistry by attending regular CPD activities across the UK.

⭐️ Adherence to a code of conduct: BAEDT members adhere to a strict code of conduct that outlines ethical standards and professional responsibilities. This code ensures that members uphold the highest level of integrity and professionalism in their interactions with clients and colleagues.

⭐️ Dedication to equine welfare:
BAEDT members are deeply committed to enhancing equine welfare not only through their dental work but also through their efforts to educate the public. By raising awareness about the importance of proper dental care and its impact on the overall health and wellbeing of horses.

Don’t compromise on your horse’s dental health. To locate your nearest BAEDT member visit www.baedt.com 🐎

07/04/2024

🐎 As you prepare to introduce your young horse to work this spring, ensuring their mouth comfort sets the stage for optimal performance.

🦷 Before the age of 5 years horses undergo significant dental changes including:
- the shedding of 24 deciduous (baby) teeth
- the eruption of 24 permanent molars, 12 incisors, possibly four canines and possibly wolf teeth.
This period generally coincides with the introduction the bit and ridden work.

🗓️ Regular check-ups every six months for young horses are extremely important, providing an opportunity to detect and address issues early, also paving the way to allow the horse to perform at their maximum potential.

🔍 Common dental problems in young horses include:
- sharp enamel points, which can cause subsequent ulceration to the inside of cheeks and tongue
- problematic wolf teeth
- mobile or retained deciduous teeth
- diastemata and food impaction which can lead to periodontal disease, considered the most painful condition in the horses mouth.

👍🏻 By prioritising early dental care, you’re not only ensuring your young horse’s comfort and willingness to accept the bit but also reducing the risk of dental disease in later life.

Every Equine, Every Year 🦷

Visit our website to locate a BAEDT Equine Dental Technician near you ➡️ www.baedt.com

31/03/2024

Watched this interesting webinar the other night - you can still buy tickets to watch the recording.

Some useful information about bit/bridle fitting and signs of discomfort 👍

Online Wednesday 27th March 7-8pm A deeper look at the effects of bits, bridles and nosebands in relation to findings during whole horse dissections

18/03/2024

So what do we have here? What we have are 2 cheek teeth side by side. As it happens they are the same tooth from 2 different horses.🐴
So.. what’s interesting about that ?
Well both horses are 4 years old, and one is a Clydesdale x weighing 580kg
The other is a miniature weighing 55kg
Give that some thought 💭

18/03/2024

What does it take to become a BEVA/BVDA qualified Equine Dental Technician?

As we approach this week's practical exam, we're eager to shed light on the journey each of our members has undertaken. It takes several years of intensive training and rigorous examinations to achieve full qualification.

The examination process entails:

➡️ Completion of BEVA/BVDA advanced theory course
➡️ Evidence of education- either
- BSc or FdSc in Equine Dental Science/Studies
- Training under direct supervision of BAEDT member or Veterinary Surgeon with expertise in equine dentistry
- RCVS membership
➡️ Submisson of 300 case studies, of which 40 are advanced case studies countersigned by the attending Veterinary Surgeon
➡️ 2 references -one from BAEDT member and one from a Veterinary Surgeon with expertise in equine dentistry
➡️ Minimum of 5 days working alongside a BAEDT member or Veterinary Surgeon with expertise in equine dentistry
➡️ BEVA/BVDA Theory exam
➡️ BEVA/BVDA Practical exam

Not to mention the countless hours spent shadowing, undertaking unpaid work, traveling expenses, investing in training courses, and the financial outlay for equipment.

We take immense pride in our members for their relentless passion and unwavering dedication to equine welfare.

Visit our website to locate a BAEDT Equine Dental Technician near you ➡ www.baedt.com

📸 Kim Kilner BAEDT

10/03/2024

When was your horses last dental?

➡️ Sharp enamel points can cause soft tissue damage to the cheeks and tongue leading to discomfort whilst being ridden and eating (imagine putting a nose band on this chap 🥺)

➡️ Equines have hypsodont dentition meaning they have a large reserve crown which is in continuous wear throughout their lifetime and constantly erupts approximately 2-4mm per year.

➡️ This leads to the formation of sharp enamel points on the outside of the upper cheek teeth and inside of lower cheek teeth

➡️ Removing the sharp enamel points will allow healing and make the mouth comfortable.

➡️ ALL horses, ponies and donkeys require routine dental treatments every 6-12 months to ensure comfort whilst eating and being ridden

➡️ Remember horses are prey animals so their may be no clinical signs that they are in discomfort, they are good at hiding pain

➡️ All BAEDT members are trained and examined to the highest standards and attend regular CPD courses

Every horse every year! 🐴🦷

www.baedt.com

09/08/2023

Another fab video by Dr Kirsten Jackson. Here Dr Jackson kindly explains the process of performing restorations, or fillings 😃

09/08/2023

The very lovely Woody having his routine treatment 😍