Rachel Hough - BAEDT Equine Dental Technician

09/06/2026

🎥 The role of an EDTHave you ever wondered what an equine dental ...

07/06/2026

29/05/2026

Ouch that can’t have been comfortable…. 🪾😳

A recent case of a lovely boy who was showing absolutely no sign of issues.
Instantly when examining his mouth we found a stick wedged between his pallet, which was removed easily but appeared to have been there a little while.

You never know until you look what’s going on in the mouth..

Has your horse seen a dentist in the last 12 months? Regular checks with a qualified and registered British Association of Equine Dental Technicians EDT or dental vet are vital for equine welfare.

15/05/2026

⭐️ Availability ⭐️

📔 Due to some cancellation I have a few slots available next week so if you’re due and want a visit please message me with location and number of horses and I’ll get back to you asap. 😊

☀️June is starting to look busy so if you’re horse is due please get in touch and I can get a date in for you. 🦷🐴

🙏 Also pretty please where possible try to stick to due dates, the system automatically sends reminders so keep an eye out and get in touch to book in.
It really helps not only keep your horses happy but also keeps the diary organised so I can fit you all in. 🥰

Picture is one of my OG’s and gorgeous boy Rafael having his routine dental a few weeks ago… who I’ve been treating regularly for about 18 years! ❤️❤️

22/04/2026

Young horses develop sharp enamel points as their deciduous (baby) teeth , and then permanent teeth, erupt and come into wear.

Before the age of five, they will shed up to 24 deciduous teeth as the permanent teeth come through.

This stage often coincides with the introduction of bitting and early ridden work, where any discomfort in the mouth may affect acceptance of the bit and behaviour.

Regular dental examinations by a qualified Equine Dental Technician will ensure their mouth is comfortable, supporting a positive start to their ridden career.

How old was your horse when they had their first dental check? 🦷🔎

16/04/2026

What is Infundibular Caries in horses?

Infundibular caries is a common dental disease affecting the upper (maxillary) molars of horses. Each upper molar has two infundibula, which are tubular, crescent-shaped structures on the chewing surface, normally filled with cementum.

Sometimes, the infundibula aren’t fully filled with cementum due to cemental hypoplasia (also called hypocementosis).

As the tooth erupts and wears down, this defect is exposed, allowing food and bacteria to enter.

Bacteria ferment carbohydrates, leading to acid production, which demineralises dental tissues, this is called caries.

Why is it a problem?

Decay can spread from the cementum to enamel, dentine, and even the pulp.

Severe lesions can cause the two infundibula to coalesce, weakening the tooth and leading to fractures.

Advanced cases may result in endodontic infections, leading to apical disease, sinusitis, or even tooth root abscesses.

Grading of Infundibular Caries (Modified Honma Scale):
• Grade 0 – No caries
• Grade 1 – Caries limited to cementum
• Grade 2 – Caries extends into enamel
• Grade 3 – Caries extends into dentine
• Grade 4 – Pulp exposure and/or tooth fracture

Risk factors:
• Age – Older horses are more likely to develop caries
• Cemental hypoplasia – Poor cementum formation predisposes the tooth

Treatment:
• Infundibula restoration (filling) by a veterinary dental specialist to protect the pulp and restore tooth function
• Regular dental exams are important to detect and monitor caries early

Progression is usually slow, but if left untreated, it can sometimes result in severe complications. Regular, thorough dental examinations can help identify infundibular caries early, enabling your EDT to monitor progression and, if necessary, provide appropriate referral recommendations.

To learn more about infundibular caries and other common dental abnormalities watch our YouTube video 👇🏼

https://youtu.be/DlXfJpbKF5g?si=Knch5Anc-4gnKmOh

31/03/2026

The clocks have changed ⏰ Spring is officially on the way 🙌🏻

Are you preparing to introduce your young horse to work? It’s really important before you start your young horse to ensure their mouth comfort.

🦷 Before the age of 5 years horses undergo significant dental changes including:

- the shedding of 24 deciduous (baby) teeth
- the eruption of 24 permanent molars, 12 incisors, possibly four canines and possibly wolf teeth.
This period generally coincides with the introduction of the bit and bridle and then ridden work.

🗓️ Regular check-ups every six months for young horses are extremely important, providing an opportunity to detect and address issues early, also paving the way to allow the horse to perform at their maximum potential.

🔍 Common dental problems in young horses include:

Sharp Enamel Points

As horses teeth erupt and come into wear, they are gradually worn down from chewing. This natural process creates sharp enamel points that may cause painful ulcers on the cheeks and tongue. These sharp points develop on the outside of the upper cheek teeth and the inside of the lower cheek teeth. When a horse has a bit in and a bridle on, the tack can press the soft tissue against these sharp points, increasing the risk of painful soft tissue damage. Thorough rasping of the teeth removes these sharp edges and helps maintain balanced dental arcades, reducing the likelihood of future malocclusions. Because horses have hypsodont teeth, meaning their teeth continuously erupt, sharp points will keep forming over time. Regular dental treatments will give your young horse the best possible experience of a comfortable mouth as they start their career.

Problematic Wolf Teeth

Wolf teeth are small, vestigial teeth that typically erupt between 6 and 18 months of age. Wolf teeth can be present in both male and female equines. They are most commonly found on the upper jaw and rarely on the lower jaw. While the impact of wolf teeth on performance is widely debated, it’s traditionally common practice to remove them in young horses as they serve no useful purpose. Lower wolf teeth almost always certainly need to be removed and upper wolf teeth are usually assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on their location.

Retained Deciduous Teeth (Caps)

Retained deciduous teeth are baby teeth that are present beyond their normal shedding time, which can affect the proper eruption of adult teeth. Mobile caps or those with a clear junction between the baby and adult tooth should be extracted to prevent issues like food trapping, gum inflammation (gingivitis), or more severe problems such as periodontal disease, or even apical infections. Retained teeth may also cause dental displacements, which may lead to diastemata with periodontal disease, and soft tissue trauma if they are out of line and pressing against the cheek or tongue. However careful assessment of deciduous teeth is really important as premature removal can damage underlying adult teeth.

By prioritising early dental care, you’re not only ensuring your young horse’s comfort and willingness to accept the bit but also reducing the risk of dental disease in later life. It’s a really important component of your horses overall life long wellbeing and every horse should have regular dental treatments.

To learn more about how dentistry affects performance watch our YouTube video hosted by BAEDT member Matt Moister ➡️🔗 https://youtu.be/8V6r4gaw9lU?si=HuVLmeuOCW7nRVD9

16/03/2026

EQUINE DENTAL TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR 2026
Sponsored by British Association of Equine Dental Technicians

Every horse owner knows how important good dental care is. From routine checks to helping horses stay comfortable in their work, equine dental technicians play a huge role in keeping horses healthy and performing at their best.

This award recognises the skilled, knowledgeable and hardworking Equine Dental Technicians who go the extra mile for the horses and clients they support.

Maybe it’s the EDT who:
• Always takes the time to explain things clearly
• Is brilliant with nervous horses
• Is reliable, professional and trusted by your yard
• Works closely with vets and other professionals to support horse welfare

Whatever makes them stand out, now’s your chance to recognise them.

Nominate your Equine Dental Technician of the Year via our website and help them get the recognition they deserve.

Don't forget to:

• Tag your Equine Dental Technician in the comments
• Share this post so other clients can nominate them too
• Encourage your yard mates and fellow horse owners to get involved

Let’s celebrate the professionals who help keep our horses comfortable, healthy and performing at their best.

16/12/2025

Does dentistry affect a horse’s performance?In this video, we join BAEDT member Matt Moister and event rider Andrew James as they explore how dental issues c...