Oral diseases in horses: how to treat oral infections and injuries?

Types of conditions

Common oral diseases in horses can vary depending on many factors, including age, breed, diet, dental care, and other health factors. Here are some of the most common oral diseases in horses:

1. Dental malocclusions : Dental malocclusions are problems with the alignment of teeth that can lead to pressure points, mouth ulcers, difficulty chewing, and digestive problems.
2. Dental diseases : This can include dental infections, dental fractures, broken or damaged teeth, and dental abscesses.
3. Dental erosion : Dental erosion can occur due to excessive wear of the teeth caused by an inadequate diet or chewing abrasive substances.
4. Mouth ulcers: Mouth ulcers are painful lesions that form in the mouths of horses, usually due to trauma, infections, or allergic reactions.
5. Oral infections : Oral infections can develop from sores or ulcers, and can include bacterial or fungal infections.
6. Hypsodonty : Horses have hypsodont teeth, meaning their teeth grow continuously. Problems with this dental growth can lead to oral health issues.
7. Dental growths : Abnormal growths of the teeth, such as dental spurs, can cause injuries in the horse's mouth.
8. Periodontal syndromes : These conditions affect the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth and can lead to tooth loss.

Maintaining good oral health in horses is important and requires regular dental care. This includes dental examinations by an equine veterinarian and, if necessary, equine dentistry, which may involve grinding teeth to correct malocclusions and other dental problems. Proper nutrition and oral care management can also help prevent these common oral conditions.

The treatments performed

Treating the inside of a horse's mouth usually involves an equine veterinarian or equine dentist. Here are some of the methods used to treat oral conditions in horses:

1. Dental examination: An equine veterinarian performs a complete dental examination to assess the condition of the horse's mouth. This may include the use of dental mirrors and lighting devices to inspect the teeth, gums, tongue, and palate.
2. Dental cleaning: Horses can develop plaque and tartar, just like humans. Equine veterinarians can perform a professional dental cleaning to safely remove these buildups.
3. Teeth grinding: If the horse has dental malocclusions, pressure points or sharp teeth, the veterinarian may use special dental tools to grind and level the tooth surfaces to ensure proper alignment and chewing.
4. Tooth extraction: In some cases, a damaged, infected, or misaligned tooth must be extracted to avoid further problems.
5. Treatment of specific oral conditions: If the horse has mouth ulcers, infections, or other specific conditions, the veterinarian may prescribe appropriate medications, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or topical treatments.
6. Regular dental care: The veterinarian can recommend a schedule of regular dental care based on the horse's specific needs. Some horses require annual dental maintenance, while others may need more frequent visits.
7. Appropriate nutrition: Horse owners must ensure their animal's diet is suitable for its oral health. Easy-to-chew food and a balanced diet help prevent dental problems.

It is essential to consult an equine health professional for dental care, as untreated dental problems can lead to pain, chewing difficulties, swallowing problems, and digestive issues in horses. Proper dental care contributes to the overall well-being of the animal.

The use of the bit

Using a bit in a horse's mouth can have consequences for the animal's oral health and well-being. These consequences depend in part on how the bit is used, its design, and the attention paid to the horse's mouth.

A bit that is poorly fitted, poorly designed, or used roughly can cause injuries to the horse's mouth, such as sores, abrasions, gum damage, and ulcers.

Improper use of the bit can lead to tooth alignment problems, which can cause dental pressure points and malocclusions.

Some horses are more sensitive than others to the pressure of the bit in their mouth. This can lead to pain, stress, and resistance while riding.

The constant strain on the mouth muscles due to the use of the bit can lead to fatigue of the masticatory and neck muscles.

Some horses may produce less saliva when wearing a bit, which can lead to digestive and comfort problems.

Horses can develop head behaviors such as head raising, bit biting, resistance, and refusal to respond to rider aids due to discomfort or pain caused by the bit.

To minimize these consequences, it is essential to use a suitable bit that fits the horse's mouth properly and to ensure the rider has a soft and sensitive hand. Some riders also opt for alternatives to traditional bits, such as rope halters, hackamores, or other equipment that exerts less pressure on the horse's mouth.

However, if you notice a small injury, lesion, or other oral problem, you can safely use OZ ONE SUPER GUARD. Frequently used in human dentistry, it will provide immediate relief and actively promote healing while applying its antibacterial properties to the wound. The bottle is equipped with a dispensing cap, making it easy to introduce a few drops of saturated ozonated oil into the mouth. 100% natural, it's the best product to have in your medicine cabinet for all oral ailments. You can also use it on your lips, around your mouth, and of course, your gums. Ozonated oil is increasingly recommended by equine dentists.