Horse teeth may be the result of an incisor malocclusion (e.g. ventral=overbite/dorsal=underbite). The curvature may also be diagonal, stemming from a wear pattern, offset incisors, or pain in the cheek teeth (rather than the incisors), which causes the horse to chew in one direction over the other. Other common problems include abscessed, loose, infected, or cracked teeth, retained deciduous teeth, and plaque build up. Wolf teeth may also cause problems, and are many times removed, as are retained caps. To help prevent dental problems, it is recommended to get a horse's teeth checked by a vet or equine dental technician every 6
Teeth cleaning twig Teeth cleaning twig A teeth cleaning twig or datun is a tool made from a twig from a tree. It can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Chew sticks are twigs or roots of certain plants that are chewed until one end is frayed. This end can be used to brush against the teeth, while the other end can be used as a toothpick. Most commonly plants are used that have a high content of tannins (astringent and antibacterial) or other compounds that benefit the health of gums and teeth. The earliest chew sticks have been dated to