Kimberley Kilner, BAEDT:Equine Dental Services

10/11/2024

On Remembrance Sunday, we honour not only the men and women who served but also the animals who stood beside them, their courage in service will never be forgotten.

30/10/2024

Hi everyone!

I am back at work from Monday. I’m looking forward to getting back to it and seeing everyone again!
Thank you all for your patience and loyalty whilst I’ve been off on my maternity leave, it hasn’t gone unnoticed and it really means a lot to me as a small business!
There is some backlog in appointments and I’ve tried my best to cram as much in as I can but if you are looking to book in for December it’s likely going to be January and January appointments into feb and so on! Please don’t panic if you are slightly behind, I promise I will get to you all as soon as I can!

See you all soon!
Attached a photo of small human!

17/10/2024

⭐️Free Tickets for National Equine Show⭐️

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be back at the NEC for the National Equine Show on 1st & 2nd March 2025. We will be chatting all about equine dentistry and how to make sure your equine dental provider is suitably qualified. To celebrate, we have free tickets to give away to the first 100 people! 🤩

To claim your free ticket:

1. Follow our page
2. Share this post
3. Comment YES PLEASE

We will then DM you with an exclusive code!

We look forward to seeing you there! 🦷 🐎

11/10/2024

✨ FAQ Friday ✨

03/10/2024

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.

14/09/2024

Dental day for my very own mr Robin, lots of baby teeth ready to go under his pillow tonight for the tooth fairy 🧚 ☺️

12/09/2024

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!

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.

26/08/2024

22/08/2024

Wolf Teeth

🦷 Wolf teeth are usually found on the upper jaw positioned in front of the first molars (06s), and less commonly on the lower jaw.
🦷 Wolf teeth typically erupt after 6 months of age.
🦷Wolf teeth are vestigial remnants, meaning they no longer serve a functional purpose. Their shape, size, and root length can vary widely.
🦷 Wolf teeth are found in both males and females, research suggests they are found in 13-40% of horses.
🦷 Wolf tooth removal is often considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether they interfere with the bit or cause any discomfort.

Canine Teeth

🦷 Equines can have four canines in total, two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw.
🦷 Canines are situated in the interdental space, just behind the incisors.
🦷 Canines typically erupt between 4.5 to 6 years of age.
🦷 Canines are a fighting tooth, while predominantly found in males, some females may have rudimentary canines which are generally smaller.
🦷 Canine teeth are prone to calculus buildup, which can lead to gingivitis. Regular dental check ups are necessary to remove the calculus and maintain oral health.