FAQ

Table of Contents

What is floating?

General definition; To make the surface of (plaster, for example) level or smooth. (The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, third edition.)

Equine Dentistry; The removal or smoothing of sharp points on the outer edge on upper molars and inner edge on lower molars. Top

Why is floating necessary?

Because of the anatomy of the horse's teeth. The upper cheek teeth (molars and premolars) are set wider apart than the lower cheek teeth. See drawing

There is very little overlap of the chewing surfaces, at rest, and there would be little contact of the chewing surfaces if the horse chewed up and down, like people do. Horses have to chew side to side to get good occlusion or contact with upper and lower cheek teeth. Horses can chew only one side on the mouth at a time.

The anisognathic (unequal) position of the upper and lower rows, or arcades, of teeth, plus side to side chewing causes the chewing surface of the teeth to wear at a 15 degree angle.

The horse opens the mouth slightly, moves the jaw to one side. As the mouth closes the chewing surfaces shear off or mince food. As the jaw returns to the resting position the chewing surfaces separate. When the front teeth, or incisors are in contact, there is should be no contact between the upper and lower molar arcades. See diagram   top 

What is the normal anatomy?  

How does floating compare to "performance dentistry?"

The last 5 to 6 years has seen a resurgence of interest in equine dentistry from horse owners, trainers and veterinarians. This interest has lead to further study on how the mouth functions and how dental problems affect performance. Simply removing sharp cheek teeth points may not eliminate all the sources of oral pain. Horses experiencing oral pain will not perform to their full ability.

Dentistry has evolved from just point removal to including a comprehensive oral examination, identification and correction of incisor and molar malocclusions. The shaping of certain cheek teeth to prevent soft tissue damage, therefore oral pain, is an important part of performance dentistry. Complete records are kept to document changes and improvement. 

This is called "performance dentistry." Hopefully, the time will soon arrive when performance dentistry will = routine dentistry and all horses will benefit. top

What is malocclusion? 

Bad (mal) contact (occlusion). Horses can have incisor and/or cheek teeth malocclusions. Either type may interfere with grasping or chewing food and performance. Long standing malocclusions result in premature loss of teeth. top

Incisors vs. molars?

Incisors are designed to bite off forage, after which the tongue moves forage back to the cheek teeth.

The cheek teeth crush and shear forage into small pieces, usually 1/4 to 3/8 inches long, so digestion will be complete.

The forage gets only one trip through the mouth and it has to be minced in this "food processor" adequately, otherwise absorption of nutrients is diminished. top

Tooth Composition

Teeth have three main components; cementum, dentin and enamel. 

The outer layer is cementum. Cementum attaches  to the periodontal ligament, which anchors the tooth to the surrounding bone. 

Dentin makes up most of the tooth substance, gives strength to the tooth and surrounds the enamel. 

Enamel is the strongest substance in the body, but is brittle when compared to dentine. The combination of dentine and enamel give the tooth great strength, plus flexibility.  

These three substances wear at different rates, producing an irregular, rough surface capable of crushing very tough food material. top

Transverse Ridges

The chewing or occusal surface of each cheek tooth, in addition to being rough, has a uniform "wavy" surface. Each tooth two "waves" or undulations. The undulations go from side to side of the tooth. This allows for better food grinding.

Exaggerated transverse ridges are ridges that are too tall and instead of having a rounded top, have a sharp point at the top. 

Exaggerated ridges interfere with normal chewing and jaw motion front to back.  top

Wolf Teeth

Small, vestigial teeth usually found just in front of the upper second cheek teeth (second premolars). These teeth are the first premolars. Wolf teeth are not functional as grinding teeth. Wolf teeth are usually removed because they may cause pain when the horse is ridden with a bit. top

Sometimes wolf teeth are found in  front of the lower second premolars. 

Canine Teeth

There are two reasons your horse does not have canine teeth.

1. Mares do not usually have canine teeth. If they do the teeth are very small and resemble wolf teeth. Canine teeth are usually one to 1.5 inches behind the corner incisor.

2. Your horse is less than 4 years old. These teeth erupt when the horse is 4 to 5 years old. top

Age and Chewing Ability

The three premolars and three molars in each cheek teeth arcade function as one long tooth. The occusal (chewing) surface area  decreases with age because the tooth diameter decreases toward the tooth root or apex. As the teeth erupt and are worn off the smaller diameter is exposed. Because the area is decreased it takes a 20 old horse longer to chew hay into small pieces than a 5 year old horse.

Also the amount of enamel enfolding may decrease as the tooth wears, further decreasing the ability to grind  food. The tooth root contains no enamel so when the tooth wears to the root it becomes smooth and can no longer grind food at all.