One main difference is that equine teeth continually erupt, reports EQUUS magazine. Because of this, the tissue that surrounds the tooth, the periodontium, is responsible for both tooth attachment and tooth eruption.

German researchers tested four materials used in human dentistry on equine periodontium: a paste developed specifically for filling pockets in gums, a temporary cement that affixes crowns and bridges to teeth, a paste used for endodontic (soft pulp tissue inside the tooth) treatments, and an impression material used to prepare implants.

Periodontium cells were collected from a healthy yearling and placed in four petri dishes. The test materials were added to each dish and after 24 hours the cells were examined for any change in appearance. The scientists also tested the cells for signs of inflammation and viability.

The results showed that the impression material and the paste for endodontic treatments damaged or killed the periodontic cells. The researchers concluded that these two products would most likely harm a living horse. The other two materials had no adverse effects on the cells.

Though products used in human dentistry must be used on the horses since there are no equine-specific materials, the team reiterated that the products should first be tested on equine tissues to ensure they cause no harm.

Read more at EQUUS magazine.

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Scientists from the University of Helsinki surveyed the owners of 47 horses that had cheek teeth surgically removed because of root infections. Tooth root infections can be caused by several things, but most of these removals were the result of dental fractures.

The survey asked 23 questions of these owners regarding horse behavior. Respondents noted that the behaviors that were eliminated after the surgical tooth extraction included dropping hay, eating slowly and adjusting hay in the mouth while chewing.

Before surgery, horses with dental pain often avoided the bit, raising their heads or getting “behind” the bit to avoid contact. Painful horses also behaved more antisocially toward people and horses. All of these behaviors dissipated when the painful tooth was removed.

Dr. Jaana Pehkonen, lead researcher, said that avoiding the bit was the most common indicator that something was amiss. She notes that this may be because this behavior is easiest to notice.

In half the study horses, tooth infections were not discovered until a routine dental exam took place, indicating that many owners miss behaviors that can be linked to dental pain. Only six of the 47 horses had obvious signs of tooth issues like external swellings or sinus drainage. Nearly all the owners said that their horses were more comfortable after the teeth were removed.

Pehkonen concluded that some equine behaviors, like self-mutilation, aggressive behavior or withdrawnness aren't regarded as pain behaviors by horse owners. However, once the pain is removed and the horse returns to acting “normal,” it's easier to see that the behaviors indicated discomfort. Pehkonen recommends horses have annual dental exams so that any problems can be identified.

Read more at EQUUS magazine.

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