Malocclusions and Dental Diseases in Privately Owned Horses in the Mazovia Region of Poland

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Dental care is an integral part of equine veterinary practice and has a significant impact on the welfare and body condition score of horses. Regular and detailed examination of the oral cavity allows for diagnosis of malocclusions and dental disease and the implementation of appropriate treatment. As predispositions for individual dental diseases differ among horse populations and age groups, this study aims to characterize the prevalence and frequency distribution of selected malocclusions and dental diseases among horses housed in the Mazovia region of Poland, using the prevalence and frequency distribution of selected malocclusions and dental diseases. Routine veterinary dental examinations were carried out on 206 horses, and the presenting signs of specific malocclusions and dental diseases were recorded for the incisor, canine, wolf, premolar, and molar teeth. Ninety-five percent of examined horses presented with a dental disorder in at least one tooth, with malocclusions more prevalent than dental disease in the incisors, premolars, and molars alike. Curvatures and calculus were the most commonly reported pathologies in incisor teeth, whereas sharp enamel points and caries predominated in cheek teeth. ABSTRACT: Dental disorders, a term encompassing both malocclusion and dental disease, constitute a serious health problem in horses worldwide. As horse populations differ among countries and regions, a geographically specific characterization of the occurrence of various dental disorders may be helpful for local equine practitioners. This study investigated the prevalence and frequency distribution of selected malocclusions and dental diseases in horses housed in the Mazovia region of Poland, with attention paid to variations among age, gender, and breed categories. Routine dental examinations were conducted on 206 privately owned horses (n = 206). Disorders were recorded using a dental chart and classified as either malocclusions or dental diseases. Out of all examined horses, 95% demonstrated at least one dental disorder, with a roughly equal distribution of these disorders among incisor teeth (31%) and cheek teeth (31% each for premolars and molars). More specifically, there were disorders noted in 14 incisors, 3 canines, 2 wolf teeth, and 15 cheek teeth. Across all age, gender, and breed groups, malocclusions of incisor, premolar, and molar teeth occurred with a higher prevalence than did dental diseases. Curvatures and calculus were the most commonly reported pathologies in incisor teeth, whereas sharp enamel points and caries predominated in cheek teeth.