1. Equine Dentistry: General Principles
Hypsodont
Reserve crown
Elliptical mastication pattern
Wear pattern:
Results in sharp
enamel points.
Buccal aspect (upper)
Lingual aspect (lower)

2. Triadan Numbering System
100’s = Right maxilla
200’s = Left maxilla
300’s = Left mandible
400’s = Right mandible
Incisors = 1,2,3
Canines = 4
Wolf teeth = 5
Premolars = 6, 7, 8
Molars = 9, 10, 11

3. Upper R Cheek Upper incisors Upper L Cheek
Lower R Cheek Lower Incisors Lower L Cheek

4. Dental Examination Visually inspect: Prior to rinsing mouth
After rinsing mouth
Digitally palpate:
Individual teeth
Gingiva
Palate
Tongue
Record findings on a standard form

5. Clues your horse may be having dental problems:
Performance habits
Head tilt
Head tossing
Refusing the bit
Eating habits
Quidding-(dropping food)
Slow, deliberate mastication
Exaggerated tongue movement

6. More dental problem clues:
Change in fecal character
Increase in fiber length
Whole grain in feces
Weight loss
Poor body condition
Facial asymmetry
Unilateral nasal discharge
Halitosis

7. Dental Examination: Juvenile
Age: 6 months to 7 years
Incisors
Check occlusion
Inspect eruption pattern
Canines erupting at this age.
Premolars:
Look for wolf tooth.
Inspect for caps.
Periodontal disease
Molars
Inspect eruption pattern.
Exam frequency: semiannual

8. Incisors Age: 7 - 15 years Inspect for: Injury or damage
Supernumerary teeth
Missing incisors
Misalignment
Wear pattern

9. Age: 7 – 15 years
Check Canine teeth for:
sharp points
tartar

10. Age: 7 – 15 years
Premolar and molar teeth-check for:
Enamel points (odontophytes)
Occlusion abnormalities
Hooks and ramps
Unopposed teeth
Wave/Shear mouth
Exam frequency - Annually

11. Dental Examination: Geriatric
Age: 15 years and older
Premolar and molar teeth:
Periodontal disease
o Most common condition affecting horse > 15 years of age
Gingival recession
Molar cupping
Wearing of infundibular enamel
Dental caries
Tooth root abscess
Tooth loss
Exam Frequency -semiannual

12. Dental Equipment Chemical restraint Dental halter Speculum
Xylazine
Detomidine
Butorphanol
Dental halter
Speculum
Full-mouth
Wedge
Light source
Floats/Motorized instruments
Elevators/Extractors
Perineural anesthesia