## Overview Dental disease in horses commonly includes periodontal disease (inflammation and infection of the tissues supporting the teeth) and tooth-root abscesses. These conditions cause oral pain, quidding, weight loss, facial swelling, and nasal discharge. Regular dental care reduces but does not eliminate the risk. ## Causes Food packing from diastemata or malocclusions, sharp enamel points, fractured teeth, and age-related changes leading to periodontal pockets and eventual root infection. ## Diagnosis Oral examination with a speculum, radiographs or computed tomography of the skull, and assessment of facial swelling or sinus involvement. ## Treatment Periodontal disease is managed with cleaning, reduction of overgrowths, and sometimes diastema widening or filling. Tooth-root abscesses usually require extraction of the affected tooth plus antibiotics. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good after extraction of an abscessed tooth or successful periodontal treatment. Ongoing dental maintenance is required. ## Prevention Routine dental examinations every 6 to 12 months.
quidding; weight loss; facial swelling; nasal discharge; bad breath; reluctance to eat on one side
## Overview Dental disease in horses commonly includes periodontal disease (inflammation and infection of the tissues supporting the teeth) and tooth-root abscesses. These conditions cause oral pain, quidding, weight loss, facial swelling, and nasal discharge. Regular dental care reduces but does not eliminate the risk. ## Causes Food packing from diastemata or malocclusions, sharp enamel points, fractured teeth, and age-related changes leading to periodontal pockets and eventual root infection. ## Diagnosis Oral examination with a speculum, radiographs or computed tomography of the skull, and assessment of facial swelling or sinus involvement. ## Treatment Periodontal disease is managed with cleaning, reduction of overgrowths, and sometimes diastema widening or filling. Tooth-root abscesses usually require extraction of the affected tooth plus antibiotics. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good after extraction of an abscessed tooth or successful periodontal treatment. Ongoing dental maintenance is required. ## Prevention Routine dental examinations every 6 to 12 months.
quidding; weight loss; facial swelling; nasal discharge; bad breath; reluctance to eat on one side