How to prevent periodontal problems in horses

Periodontal problems in horses are rapidly increasing - with many cases being beyond restoration. You can help prevent and modify these pathologies.

Gingivitis
gingiva (Latin) = gums; Itis (Latin) or Osis (Greek) = inflammation

Just as your own, horses' teeth need routine hygienic management. Toothpaste for sensitive gums can be used to control bacteria and promote healthy gums.

A brush made for false teeth is a good size and suitable for horses. If your horse allows, you can brush his gums with the toothpaste, the brushing will stimulate the bloodflow restoring the affected gums.

Periodontal Disease
Perio (Latin) is the perimeter of the tooth (dont) imbedded in the gum. The hole in which the tooth sits is called the Alviola socket. The embedded tooth is surrounded by a protected fiber to prevent the tooth having direct contact with the bone (alveolar ligament).

When the bacteria from the gingivitis enters between the gum and the Alviola, it eats away at the fiber which protects the tooth. This is called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is very toxic and in humans it kills more people in the world than Diabetes, Aids, Corona altogether. The first thing it will attack is the heart then the lungs and other organs – also in your horse.

Have your horse dentist check for gum resolution and tartar removal procedures. Avoid acid and sugar building foods such as silage, overuse of sweets, dusty, moldy foods, food impaction.   

Remember: prevention is better than cure.