Dental examinations:

• The interdontal space prevents them biting their own tongue and grinding their teeth.
• 2 chambers in their mouth, the first at the front is for grazing and then the back is for chewing.
• Stallions have canines for fighting and only 25% of mares have them.
• Canines develop at 4/5 years old and can cause damage or ulcers to domesticated horses.
• 70% have wolf teeth which are premolars that develop at 5-12 months. They shed or can be removed and were useful in historic times when horses ate twigs and branches.
• 12 molars/premolars.
• Hypsodonts = teeth constantly erupting as there's more crown below the gum. 5 years is when the first adult set of teeth develop and 18 is when the teeth stop growing.
• Teeth can be lost through age, cavities and trauma.
• Periodontal disease = ligaments between teeth become infected.
• Plaque is where bacteria hardens and can lead to gum disease.
• Galvaynes groove = vertical line on the incisors at 10 years old, halfway down at 15 years old, completely down by 20 years old, halfway gone at 25 years old and completely gone at 30 years old.
• Older horses have teeth which point out and forwards more.
• Dental stars = black circle at 6 years old and disappears with age.
• Cups = bumps at ages 6-9 which get worn down.
• Hooks = appear at 7/13 and disappear at 8/14
• Steps occur when teeth are missing or overlapping.
• Waves occur when 2+ teeth are different heights.
• Ramps = underbite causes back molars to not be used so less worn down.
• Hooks = ridge left from chewing unevenly.
• Quidding indicates chewing issues.
• Bad breath shows dental problems.
• Choking, drooling and stereotypical behaviours need more dental care.