Thank you, Meredith Barlow, C/EDT for contributions to the site.
Frequently asked questions.
What does the term "floating" mean?
The term "floating" usually refers to the removal of sharp points from the horse's cheek teeth. The horse's maxilla is wider than it's mandible. Thus the outer edge of the upper teeth have nothing to occlude with and likewise for the inner edge of the lower teeth. This is what allows these points to form.
The term can be broadened to refer to complete mouth care. A horse's dental needs may include, rounding of the canines, incisor reduction, wave reduction, treatment of the gums for periodontal disease, evaluation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) etc. A dental technician or veterinarian will evaluate each horse's individual needs and then treat accordingly. Hand floats or specially designed power tools are used for floating.
How often should my horse have its teeth floated?
A suggested schedule for routine dental examinations is as follows:
Birth: to check for any congenital defects.
Under 10: every 6 months, beginning at 6 months old.
Over 10: yearly.
Performance horses: 3-6 months.
Seniors: check ups every 3-6 months, however actual floating is done yearly in most cases.
What are bit seats, and why are they important to my performance horse?
A bit seat is created by rounding the first set of cheek teeth right where the bit sits when we ask the horse to collect, turn, stop, or do anything that involves contact. A bit seat ensures that the horse cannot get its cheek caught in between the bit and his teeth. Thus the horse cannot chew its cheek or the bit and this gives the rider more control. Thus the horse's performance is radically improved both at home and in competition.
Do all horses need their teeth floated?
Yes, all domesticated horses need regular dental care, in addition to their regular veterinary and farrier visits. Even a horse in good body condition should have his mouth evaluated. Horses do not always show pain the way humans do, and a "good doer" may keep its weight , even though its mouth is causing him discomfort. A horse that is not able to chew properly is also at risk for colic, TMJ syndrome, and weight loss.
Does my horse need to be sedated to have his teeth floated?
This is entirely dependent upon the state of your horse's mouth , the work which needs to be done and the temperament of your horse.
For certain dental corrections sedation is necessary. It is only humane to make use of sedation as horses do experience pain.
If your horse has never needed sedation for dental work, there is a good chance that a dental correction has never been made.
All sedation is administered by a Vet so your horse is in the best hands possible. Sedation allows for relaxed muscles, a calm relaxed horse and thorough uncompromised work to be done.
For regular maintenance work without the presence of malocclusion sedation is not required.
What is the difference between wolf teeth and canines?
Wolf teeth are the horse's "first premolars" They are not big rectangular teeth like the other premolars, but little fang-like teeth. They are rostral (towards the front of the mouth) to the first cheek teeth. Wolf teeth can cause severe pain for the horse when riding with a bit. A horse can have both uppers and lowers, but the most commonly seen are uppers. These teeth are best removed before the horse is two, as the root is less developed, but they can be removed at any age.
Canines are the male's fighting teeth. They are located in the interdental space between the cheek teeth and the incisors. Males usually have uppers and lowers. Canine teeth are usually not present in females. Canines can become very sharp and dangerous if left unattended. These teeth are not usually removed unless the tooth is diseased as their root is quite long .
How do I find someone qualified to float my horse's teeth?
Here are three questions to ask a potential equine dental professional:
1.Do you use a speculum?
The answer should be yes. A speculum is a device used to hold the horse's mouth opened for dental procedures and exams. If a speculum is not used it is not possible to do a proper exam nor is it possible to complete procedures. A speculum also allows the practitioner to palpate the teeth to check not only for malocclusions and sharp points but also for any diseased teeth.
2.Do you use a light source?
It is dark in there. If a head light of some type, or a flash light isn't used the practitioner can very easily miss problems.
3.What training do you have?
The person should be able to give you the name of a dental school, or a person with whom they apprenticed.
These two terms are often used interchangeably. Many people believe this is incorrect, and others believe it is silly to get into such semantics over a title. An equine dental technician is a lay person with special training in the field of equine dentistry. Many people believe that only a veterinarian should use the term dentist. The most important thing is to make sure who ever is working on your horse is trained to do so, and if sedation is need make sure it is a veterinarian doing so.
Do other equines, like donkeys and mules need their teeth floated?
Yes, donkeys and mules need regular care just like horses.
What is the cost of having my horse's teeth floated?
The cost of having your horses teeth floated will usually depend on the amount of work that needs to be done. This depends on the frequency your horse is floated, his age, his mouth's conformation, and many other factors.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! All examinations are free, however travelling expenses need to be paid.
If you have a question that has not been listed here, please send me an email.
So you have had your horse's teeth worked on, but you are not really sure what was actually done or why it was necessary.
However, you do know how much it costs!
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