Equine Dental Services

19/04/2025

There has been an issue with my dental app sending out reminders. If you think your horse is due their dental check, please don't hesitate to contact me and I can check.

14/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/15EKpkUM1D/

💕 Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

Happy horses start with,

A healthy chew! 💕

❤️🥰 Happy Valentines Day 🥰❤️

12/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EAywVBtci/

EOTRH stands for Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis. 🦷

This is a painful and progressive condition that predominantly affects horses aged 15 years and older. It mainly affects the incisors and occasionally the canine teeth, but there has been some very rare cases of affected molar teeth.

The condition involves two primary processes:

Resorption: this is where the calcified dental tissue starts to break down by the horse’s own odontoclast cells reabsorbing the dental structures. This process is believed to be immune-mediated.

Hypercementosis: this is the development of excess cementum which occurs as the dental structures are reabsorbed. The body compensates by over producing cementum in an attempt to stabilise the tooth. This results in bulbous or club-like shapes forming at the apex of the tooth.

The presentation of EOTRH can vary greatly between horses. Some horses exhibit more dominant with hypercementosis, others are more dominant with resorption.
The disease may progress rapidly in some cases but slowly in others.

Due to its progressive nature, early clinical signs may be subtle or go unnoticed until the disease reaches an advanced stage.

Common symptoms include:
•Tartar buildup due to reluctance to use the incisors
•Bulbous dental structures beneath the gumline (caused by hypercementosis)
•Diastemata (gaps between teeth), leading to food entrapment, gingival recession, and periodontal disease
•Red, inflamed gums with draining tracts due to infection
•Loose, fractured, or missing teeth
•Halitosis

Affected horses often struggle to bite into carrots or pull hay from a haynet. Some may develop headshaking, and severe cases can lead to weight loss.

Diagnosis of EOTRH is confirmed through X-rays, which will reveal the extent of resorption and hypercementosis. Currently, the only effective treatment is the extraction of affected teeth by a vet. Each case requires an individualised approach depending on the severity of the disease. Horses adapt very well following extraction, and their improvement highlights the level of pain they were experiencing before treatment.

The cause of EOTRH remains unknown, current studies are exploring periodontal ligament strains, bacterial causes, occlusal pressures, and genetics, however it’s likely to be multi factorial. As our understanding of the disease grows with ongoing research we hope to develop more effective management strategies.

Regular incisor checks are super important to identify signs of EOTRH early. If you suspect EOTRH, consult your EDT or Vet, early intervention can help minimise discomfort for your horse!

09/01/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/14i1hco7Jq/

As temperatures across the UK drop below freezing this week, we kindly ask that if you’re expecting your EDT, please provide a constant supply of hot water.

In these sub-zero conditions, dental equipment can freeze, making it impossible for your EDT to carry out treatment without access to hot water.

Thank you for helping us ensure the best care for your horses, even in the coldest weather! ❄️ 🥶

06/12/2024

Team work makes the dream work

28/11/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/Q9fPp3CCoX1NLDsH/

If it’s been over a year since your horse’s last dental check, it’s time to get them booked in.

Horses are incredibly stoic and may not show obvious signs of dental pain, they often adapt by chewing on one side to avoid discomfort.

Don’t let your horse suffer in silence. Book their dental appointment today and ensure their oral comfort.



www.baedt.com

14/11/2024

My diary is now open for 2025!!! I have limited appointments left for January, so book early. I think I've gotten back to everyone who enquired about a January appointment, but if I've missed someone, please drop me a message 😊

05/11/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/PuSV6mwxtkAhNbBK/

Quidding can be caused by a number of dental problems and is usually due to either the horse being in pain or because they are physically unable to chew long fibre forage efficiently. In pain related cases, the horse may be avoiding chewing in a specific area of the mouth due to discomfort. This can result from conditions such as periodontal disease caused by diastemata, or fractured, displaced, or even loose teeth, which may be causing soft tissue injury. In cases where they are physically unable to chew efficiently, the horse might be struggling due to uneven grinding surfaces, large malocclusions restricting lower jaw movement, or excessive tooth wear from old age, resulting in lack of occlusion and therefore compromised chewing ability.

If you notice your horse quidding, it’s crucial to have them checked by your EDT promptly. A thorough dental examination will identify the cause of the quidding, allowing you to discuss a treatment plan with your EDT and potentially any dietary changes.

If your horse lives out over winter, remember to regularly check the area around the hay for signs of quidding. It’s also important to monitor body condition under rugs throughout the season.

Regular lifelong dental care provides peace of mind, ensuring your horse is free from discomfort and allows early detection of any dental issues. If it’s been more than a year since their last checkup, now is a key time to book one, giving them the best chance to maintain body condition through the winter. Waiting for problems to arise may mean they are more difficult to manage long term.

16/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/ppyhR5uKr7LD2uHr/

✨ FAQ Friday ✨

03/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/AbaQ94ZPbEYTtGzb/

Mind the gap! 🔍🦷

A diastema (singular) or diastemata (plural) refers to an abnormal space between teeth. Normally, horses have six cheek teeth in each dental arcade, tightly positioned to function as a single grinding unit. However, if a gap exists between these teeth then food can become trapped. A UK study indicated that 49.9% of horses of all ages are affected. The prevalence of diastemata increases in horses over the age of 15.

Diastemata are classified into two types:

Primary Diastemata

These are developmental in nature and can occur due to improper rostral-caudal angulation, dental buds that are too far apart, or teeth that are developmentally displaced or rotated.

Secondary Diastemata

These are acquired and may result from tooth displacement, pressure from occlusal overgrowths, drifting teeth following extraction, or the natural tapering of teeth with age, leading to senile diastemata.

There are two types of diastemata based on the gap's shape:

Open Diastema: The gap is the same width from top to bottom.

Valve Diastema: The top of the gap is narrower than the bottom, which can cause food impaction.

If food becomes impacted then bacteria can proliferate leading to gingivitis, and the breakdown of periodontal ligaments causing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is considered the most painful condition in the horses mouth. Signs of periodontal disease includes quidding, halitosis, and in severe cases, weight loss.

The treatment of diastemata should be approached on a case-by-case basis. First steps include clearing any impacted food and good quality dentistry. In some cases, further intervention and referral to a veterinary surgeon may be necessary. More advanced treatments involve using materials to bridge the diastemata, preventing food from becoming trapped and promoting gum healing. In cases of valve diastemata, mechanically widening the top of the gap can facilitate less trapping of food material, which can be an effective solution. In some severe cases of displaced teeth, extraction may also be an option. Additionally, dietary adjustments may be required.

Every diastema is individual, therefore it’s important to discuss with your EDT regarding long term management.

02/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/xKvGiECx6MBW1gye/

Hello October! 🍁🍂

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!

12/09/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/M5A9BqHPgPiUBTLa/

Even though your broodmare isn’t in active work, regular dental treatments are still an important part of their welfare. Regular routine treatments will ensure they are comfortable, identify any dental problems early, and avoid any other potential dental problems in the future, this will allow efficient mastication and therefore ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Broodmares are often overlooked, but it's essential to prioritise their dental care when it's safe to do so. Waiting for dental problems to arise may lead to problems becoming more difficult to manage.

Don’t let your broodmares be forgotten — make sure you schedule their dental checks regularly with a BAEDT member!