References
Cheek teeth diastemata
Abstract
Cheek teeth diastemata are the most common cause of quidding in the horse. They most commonly affect the most distal mandibular interdental spaces (09/10s and 10/11s) and they begin with impaction of food material, which may progress to gingivitis and periodontitis. They are diagnosed during a thorough oral examination, given under sedation. The initial assessment should include removal of the food from the diastema, which is also therapeutic. Many cases may be resolved by removing the impacted food and with good quality routine dentistry. Other proposed treatments include packing or stenting of diastemata, removing teeth from occlusion, diastema widening and extraction of cheek teeth.
Normal mastication in the horse is performed by the cheek teeth, which consist of three premolars and three molars in each quadrant of the mouth. They can be numbered using the Triadan numbering system (06 to 11). The occlusal surfaces of the cheek teeth are tightly pressed together by the opposing angulation of the 06s, 10s and 11s so they function as a single grinding unit (Collins and Dixon, 2005; Dixon et al, 2008; 2014).
The presence of any space between the cheek teeth is abnormal and is known as a diastema (plural, diastemata). Once a space is present, food can get trapped and impacted between the teeth (Figure 1). Bacteria then proliferate in the decaying food causing gingivitis (gum disease) and the breakdown of the periodontal ligament (periodontitis). Periodontitis can cause great pain to affected horses, particularly when chewing long fibre, making cheek teeth diastema one of the most painful equine disorders (Collins and Dixon, 2005; Dixon et al, 2008; Dixon et al, 2014).
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