How often should teeth be checked

chunky monkey

chunky monkey

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May 2, 2007
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Sorry, I'm sure this is probably a very stupid question. And judging by something I have just read leads me to think that it should be at least once a year.

I have owned my horse for 3 years or maybe 2. Sorry my mind is playing tricks, cant remember now. Anyway basically I have never had his teeth checked. He is 12/13 ish. Not sure if the previous owners ever had them checked or not. I believe they owned him for 4 years. I suspect he may have been checked though.
He is a good doer and doesn't seem to have any issues eating grass/hay or carrots etc. Don't have problems with him taking the bit.
I hear alot about filling and rasping teeth, and I worry that if he doesnt have a problem with eating etc. Should I start getting them done, or could I create problems by having them done.

How can I be confident that if i get someone out that they are not going to create problems because they see me as being green and telling me he has this or that wrong. Should I get a number of people to have a look before they even go near with rasping.

Sorry this is probably very stupid to post but must admit I'm not at all sure.
 
Should be checked on a yearly basis for most horses. Youngsters, horses with poor teeth conformation or veterens about every 6 months.

If you use a qualified Equine Dental Technician who is properly registered then you will be ok. Someone who is registered will not take advantage just because you have never had a dentist out. Most will probably not charge you the full appt fee if your horse does not actually need rasping.

Just because your horse is showing signs of having a problem does not mean he has no sharp edges causing pain and which require rasping. He might just have a high discomfort/pain tolerance.

My old TB suffered terrible pain from very poor dental confirmation and issues that her breeder and previous loan riders didn't bother to fix. But the poor old girl just kept working for ten years despite the terrible pain. It took me over a year and 2 ops to sort out her mouith and make her more comfortable.

:)
 
Hi thanks for your question! Dont worry there isnt such thing as a "stupid question"

Every horse is the same regarding the fact that the cheek sides of the upper set of teeth and tongue side of the lower teeth get sharp and need to be filed down every 6 -12 months (depending on the individual animal and how it is kept).

Horses react differently to sore mouthes, some display symptoms such as quidding and headshaking/leaning on the bit with only a couple of sharp points whilst others have terrible cheek and tongue ulceration without showing any signs of discomfort what so ever.

If I were you I would call upon a good qualified EDT (www.baedt.com) to come and have a look and explain to you what they have found and their intended plan of action and why. You certainly wont be doing harm by getting him treated, in fact I am certain he will appreciate it! Which area are you and I can recommend someone for you?

Here is a pic of some cheek ulceration from sharp teeth:
 

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I have my boys done once a year, my dentist would advise if any of them needed more frequent appointments.

Can you ask someone in your area who they would recommend, or ask your vet.
 
Not sure asking your vet is always the best plan.....(most) are not as specialised in dentistry as EDT's but will probably do it anyway with poorer/older equipment.

I would never ask my vet, who is an equine only practise, to do my horses teeth. An EDT every time......
 
Hopefully if she asks her vet to recommend a qualified EDT in her area then he should do it. Yes he may say " you know we can do teeth as well and can sedate if necessary etc etc" but she should give her the name of a reputable EDT and let her make the decision who she uses.
 
Yeah Victoria....hopefully she will be given a properly qualified dental contact....but I know quite a few vets who would go with the other option......and many owners just assume (wrongly imo) that its all the same anyway.....or just use any old dentist.

Oooh.....my EDT's lectures over the years have converted me completely.....I should be on commission! :D;)

Hope your neddies teeth are all ok anyway Chunky Monkey. :D
 
Thank you. It does sound as though I need to get him checked. Rather overdue i fear. Just dont feel safe about getting him done by a complete stranger and me not having any knowledge at all in the teeth department. And to be honest they do say get a second opinion if your not sure. Cant wait to do some swatting up so I have a little more knowledge on this matter.
 
Where are you chunky monkey and I will give you the details of a good EDT. Im afraid unless you know an EDT personally you have no choice but to get a stranger to do it!:D

A lot of my clients are "clueless" about teeth and freely admit it but that doesnt mean I would rip them off or anything like that, I just try to educate. Trust me I will give you someone good!:)
 
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