View source for Dental Formula - Horse

[[Image:Horse teeth.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Tooth identifation in the horse- copyright Academy of Equine Dentistry-2008]]

==Overview==

The formula for '''deciduous''' teeth: 2 (I3/3 C0/0 P3/3)  

The formula for '''permanent''' teeth: 2 (I3/3 C1/1 P3-4/3 M3/3)  

===Canines===

The canines are '''rudimentary''' and in '''diastema'''. The size of the [[Root - Anatomy & Physiology|root]] is proportionally larger than  the [[Crown|crown]].

===Molars===
[[Image:Horse Tooth.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Horse tooth - Copyright Malcom Morley]]

The molars have enlarged surfaces and higher [[Crown|crowns]]. They have delayed [[Root - Anatomy & Physiology|root]] development and complicated folding of [[Enamel|enamel]].

===Incisors===

Incisors have high [[Crown|crowns]] and folded [[Enamel|enamel]] surfaces. Their [[Root - Anatomy & Physiology|roots]] converge.

===Premolars===

A horse's '''Wolf tooth''' (PM1) is often lacking. Molars and Premolars form a continuous surface. Premolars have a high rate of wear and continually erupt. The upper teeth are wider than the lower. There is no infundibulum in the lower teeth.

==Ageing==

Horses can be aged by their teeth. At 2 and a half the first permanent incisor will erupt; At 3 and a half the second permanent incisor will erupt and at 4 and a half the third permanent incisor will erupt. Over 5 years of age the folding of the enamel ring ('''infundibulum''') can indicate age. There is a 7 year hook and over 13 years of age a '''dental star''' will be present.

The '''Galvayne's Groove''' is a brown groove on the upper corner incisor teeth and indicates that the horse is over 10 years old. At 15 the groove will be approximately half way down the tooth; At 20 the groove will run down the whole tooth; Over 20 the grove begins to disappear; At 25 the groove will only be visible on the bottom half of the tooth. At 30 the groove will usually be gone.

[[Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology]]
[[Category:Horse - Alimentary System]]
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