AQUEOS & EQUINE DENTISTRY

Keeping it Aqueos Clean with Equine Dentists

Preventative treatment is an important part of your equine care, and none more so than a visit from the dentist. Booking a dental treatment should be as regular as your annual vaccinations, in order to keep your horse’s mouth as healthy as the rest of his body. After all, your horse relies solely on his teeth for obtaining his food and nutrition, so it is imperative that they continue to operate as well as is possible.

Why have your horse’s teeth checked?

Your horse relies on his teeth to eat; he pulls the grass with his incisors and crushes it with his molars. If there are any barriers to this process, he won’t be able to obtain the right amount of nutrition he requires. The end result will be a drop in general condition, as well as a lack of energy.

Poor teeth can also lead to swellings, bad breath and resisting the bit. Your horse’s behavior may change radically, and they may develop what we term ‘bad habits’ – in effect, these are the horse’sway of telling us that something is wrong. Dental problems can be extremely painful, after all, and if left unchecked can affect other areas of the horse’s body.

How often?

If your horse’s teeth are in good condition then once a year is adequate; however, if he has issues or is older, it isworth having them checked at least twice a year. More regular checks will allow you to deal with any small issues before they become big problems.

What’s involved in a routine check?

A routine dental check can be carried out by either your vet or a specialist equine dentist, although if your horse needs any surgery or sedation this will need to be completed with the help of a vet.It’s a good idea to start these checks from a young age, to make sure the milk teeth are erupting correctly.

During the routine appointment the horse is fitted with a gag to allow the dentist to safely open the horse’s mouth. The teeth and gums are examined by hand and visually. The dentist will then deal with any minor issues, such as sharp hooks. Some practitioners like to use electronic equipment, whereas others prefer manual – neither method is superior to the other, as it depends entirely on the dentist involved.

Hygiene

During the course of the appointment, it’s essential the dentist keep their tools scrupulously clean. By using a dental instrument cleaner and disinfectant, cross contamination is avoided. A disinfectant such as Aqueos is not a sterilant but is more powerful than commonly used disinfectants, as well as being kinder to both horse and instruments.

Used in conjunction with Aqueos Dental mouthwash, to flush and clean the horse’s mouth after treatment, ensures the horse’s teeth are kept as clean and healthy as possible during the process. As a bonus, the peppermint flavour freshens your horse’s breath, while helping to make rinsing his mouth a more pleasant experience than otherwise.

So, when booking your vaccinations, book your equine dental visit as well – it really is a vital aspect of his care.Make it a habit – for your horse’s sake.