Diagnosis of step mouth can be made through clinical signs and symptoms, as well as palpation and observation of the occlusal border of the teeth.
Treatment is frequent dental care to maintain a level occlusal border.
Dental Hooks and Points
Dental _____________ are abnormal projections found on the rostral or cervical edge of the occlusal border of teeth. The _________________ incisor, the first and the last cheek teeth are the teeth most likely to develop hooks. Dental _______________ are abnormal projections found on the buccal or lingual edges of the cheek teeth. Hooks and points are both caused by repeated, abnormal patterns of mastication or by abnormal conformation of the maxilla, mandible or incisive bones. Repeated, uneven occlusion of the teeth causes uneven wear of the occlusal surfaces. Areas not being worn will project above areas in constant wear, forming sharp points and hooks. Older horses are more prone to developing hooks and points as their teeth tend to be harder. Horses who wear large bits, double bits,_____________________ and nose bands may be at higher risk of developing dental points and hooks as these devices alter the normal movement of the mandible. The clinical signs and symptoms of hooks and points include quidding, anorexia, weight loss, laceration of the oral soft tissues, blood visible in saliva, resistance to bridling and bit pressure, stiffness in the head and neck and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Palpation of the teeth will reveal sharp projections on some teeth, some projections may be visible. Diagnosis of dental hooks and points is made through clinical signs and symptoms, and through palpation.
Treatment is routine dental care to take off the hooks & points.
Dysdentiasis
Dysdentiasis refers to the abnormal _______________ or eruption of teeth. The two most common abnormalities seen in dental development are retained caps and vestigial wolf teeth. Caps refer to the _______________ teeth. In some individuals a deciduous tooth remains attached to the gums or the underlying permanent tooth even after the roots of the deciduous tooth has been degraded. Often the persistent cap is ________________ and may press into the
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