From the Paulick Report, 2/23
All horses should have their teeth cared for by an equine dentist at least once a year – more often if the horse is very young or very old. Routine care ensures that the horse can chew well, maximizing his nutrient intake and minimizing the possibility of choking.
While horses can have “common” dental ailments like cavities and uneven wear, a recently recognized dental disease is significantly more complicated. Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) can cause significant changes to the roots of teeth and the gums in horses.This disease typically affects incisor and canine teeth, but it can affect a horse’s premolars and molars as well. EOTRH is very painful; it’s a chronic infection of the oral tissues. In severe cases, EOTRH can cause teeth to fall out. The pain can become so significant that the horse’s teeth must be removed to allow him to eat comfortably.
