Predispositions include horses with abnormal wear patterns, malocclusions and decrease saliva production. Young horses are at higher risk due to retained caps while older horses are at risk due to malocclusions. Processed feeds and domestic feeding habits also predispose the horse as this changes the horse’s mastication patterns vs. horses on a more natural diet of forage and softer feeds. Signs and symptoms associated with periodontal disease includes; abnormal chewing patterns, quidding, weight loss, recluctance to be bridled, TMJ dysfunction and malodourous smell from mouth or nose. Periodontal disease can be broken down into stages: Stage 1 – gingivitis (red, inflamed, bleeding)
Stage 2 – gingivitis & pocket formation
Stage 3 – gingivitis, pocket, gum recession, ulceration, loosening of teeth (ligament breakdown) Stage 4 - gingivitis, pocket, gum recession, ulceration, bone decay, cementum decay, abscessation, tooth loss
Diagnosis is oral exam and xrays to determine if the bone is involved.
Treatment will depend on the stage of disease. Stage 1 & 2 can be treated with cleaning & debridement of the mouth & teeth with ________________ (baking soda or disinfectants often used), removing feed out of pockets with dental pricks or forceps, antibiotics and possible packing of the pocket to prevent feed from lodging in it again. Stage 3 & 4 may involve tooth extraction and packing of the socket until the gum line heals over. Correct underlying causes (malocclusions) with regular dental care.
Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses are a collection of pus in the root of a tooth, the alveolus or the gums.
They are caused by bacterial infection of the gums, gingivitis or periodontal disease.
The bacteria move through the gums into the root of the tooth or the alveolus where they proliferate. This causes inflammation and pain in the tooth root. Over time the bacteria begin to damage the blood supply of the tooth causing ischemic necrosis of the tooth and the surrounding bone. _______________ of the jaw and septicemia may be sequella to dental abscess. Older horses and horses with broken or ________________ teeth, or those with periodontal disease are at higher risk of developing dental abscess. The upper molar teeth are most commonly affected due to their roots being embedded in the _______________ . Dental abscesses are seen clinically as pain, heat and redness over the site of the abscess, ulcerated and bloody gums, __________________ , anorexia, weight loss, quidding, swelling visible on maxilla or mandible, pain on palpation or movement of the jaw, visible drainage tract on mandible or maxilla, reluctance to be bridled, resistance to bit pressure and loss of teeth.
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