The main alterations that affect the oral cavity in the horse are referred to as a dental chart and include: broken teeth, presence of sharp points, irregular arch or alterations in the occlusion.

Points

This name refers to the presence of points/hooks on the conjunctival edge of the molars, upper premolars and the lower lingual edges. They normally occur as a consequence of irregular wear in horses in which the mandibular arch is narrower than the maxilla.

Its presence leads to chewing difficulties and because of this an abundance of whole grains is often seen being passed in the feces of affected animals. On occasions it produces weight loss, hypersalivation, decrease in performance, as well as lacerations or ulcers on the tongue and oral mucosa. Treatment consists of rasping the points by using a series of different files for access to any part of the dentary. For this a speculum or a "mouth-opener" is used (usually a McPherson type). It is advisable in any case to sedate the animal before to carry out dental chart repair (floating).
Ulcers of the oral mucosa or tongue can be treated with antiseptic solutions (chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine,...)

Parrot Mouth

Technically is treated as a lower brachygnathism which leads to alterations in the occlusion. Its etiology is uncertain, whereas the hereditary factor is considered important.


Dental caries

Is a pathology that is not frequent in the horse, although when it occurs it is considered to be clinically important. It normally affects the premolars and molars and one of its causes could be the low production of tooth cement. The hole that is left fills up in these cases of food material that after fermenting leads to the development of infections. Since the upper molars have a larger infundibulum, they tend to be affected the most. The secondary infection that develops leads to alveolar periostitis and even secondary sinusitis, manifesting itself in this case by unilateral purulent nasal discharge and expiratory fetid smell.

Treatment consists of the removal of the affected molar by trepanation.

Mandible Fractures

The mandible (jaw) is the bone of the head which fractures more frequently in the horse. These fractures are often of a traumatic origin being quite common in the course of surgery to tooth extraction. They can include the mandibular body, the alveolar plate of the incisors, the mandibular symphysis, the interdental space to the molar portion and mandibular branches, as well as the condyle. Premaxillary fractures can affect the incisive alveolar plate or the interdental space.

The most frequent location in any case is the interdental space. Diagnosis is based on the medical history and the symptomatology. In the physical examination alteration in the occlusion is the most common sign observed. In chronic cases infection is produced, appearing a putrid odor on the breath. X-rays should be done to confirm the diagnosis, for establishing the surgical approach where necessary and to advance the prognosis.
Determined fractures as those that affect the mandibular branches and unilateral fractures without displacement, they respond well to conservative treatment. The rest of the fractures require surgery, with stabilization through cerclages, plates or screws.

The most frequent complications after surgery are the formation of chronic duct fistulae and alveolar periostitis (chronic ossifying periostitis), ruptures being also quite common by the attachment means used.

Other alterations that develop less frequently are:

Gingivitis/Stomatitis
Soft Palate
Oral or Lingual Ulcers
Affections of the Salivary Glands