OklahomaHorses Magazine January 2021

16 OklahomaHorses • January/February 2021 S melly breath in our dogs and cats often encourages us to visit our veterinarian for a dental exam. Plus, we tend to get a better look into our dogs’ and cats’ mouths a bit more often than we do our horses. For children, the beginning of the school year can be a reminder to visit the dentist, and our own dentists call or send texts to bring us into the office. But what about our horses? The drop in temperature can serve as a reminder for horse owners, as the horse’s teeth need to be in top shape for the winter and the potential increase in energy needs. Teeth Facts Horses begin their lives with no visible teeth, but they emerge quickly thereafter. Foals’ central incisors erupt at approximately 6 days of age, followed by the intermediate incisors at 6 weeks, then the corner incisors at 6 months of age. Along with these deciduous or baby teeth that you can see at the front of the horse’s mouth, the young horse will also have 12 premolars growing farther back in the jaw. Six in the upper jaw (three on each side) and six in the lower jaw. In essence, 24 teeth will be emerging in the first year of the horse’s life. We often think of dental care as an older horse issue, but mal- occlusions (jaws misaligned) may need to be addressed early. Therefore, having a dental inspection early in life may prevent issues down the road. The wolf teeth are the next to make their entrance, typically between 6 and 9 months of age. These teeth are small, shallow-rooted teeth seated right in front of the premolars. Surpris- ingly, not all horses even acquire wolf teeth. These non-wearing teeth (i.e., they don’t assist with chewing) occur mostly in the upper jaw but can be present in the lower jaw as well. These teeth are actually the first adult teeth or permanent teeth that erupt even though they may not be permanent for long! Young horses often have their wolf teeth removed and their teeth checked prior to starting under saddle since these teeth can interfere with the bit. Their removal ensures there is no discomfort in their mouth in a pivotal portion of their training. Horses will begin to shed their “baby” teeth at about 2 and a half years of age, and they do not have a complete set of permanent teeth until they are 5 years of age. During this period of time, they will replace a full set of 24 teeth as well as gain 12 more true molars. Often, caps of deciduous teeth may remain on the emerging permanent tooth and can create uneven eruption or wear patterns in its paired partner. The emergence of 36 permanent teeth within three years should be monitored by veterinary dental exams. Do not put dental care off until the horse becomes a senior citizen. Canine teeth, not to be confused with wolf teeth, are the last set worthy of discussion. These teeth appear in the interdental space between the incisors and premolars in all male horses. Time for the Dentist? The Importance of Oral Exams WRITTEN BY: Dr. Kris Hiney Equine Extension Specialist | Oklahoma State University