Teeth Pathology Introduction

Introduction

See anatomy and physiology of the teeth

Functional Anatomy

• The gingival crevice is an important site for disease processes in mouth to begin.

• In ruminants and rodents teeth may fail to oppose properly or to allow side to side movement of jaws. This produces uneven wear (especially in horse). Sharp edges are produced on the outside of the teeth in the upper jaw and inside of the teeth in the lower jaw, which causes painful feeding and inanition (not eating).
  • Approximately 75% of wasting horses have dental abnormalities.

• This is not a problem in carnivores as do they not use teeth for mastication.

• If a teeth is lost the opposing teeth may become very long and stop mouth closing properly.
  • Seen mostly in rodents - teeth may even penetrate through lip.