Dental Formula - Horse

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 is proportionally larger than the crown.

Molars

Horse tooth - Copyright Malcom Morley

The molars have enlarged surfaces and higher crowns. They have delayed root development and complicated folding of enamel.

Incisors

• High crowns

• Folded enamel surfaces

• Roots converge

Premolars

• Wolf tooth (PM1) often lacking

• Molars and Premolars form a continuous surface

• High rate of wear

• Continually erupt

• Upper teeth wider than lower

• No infundibulum in 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

• 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

• 7 year hook

• 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