Loose teeth and ageing?

[ClippityCloppity]

Hello,

We recently had a new dentist out to a retired (grass fed) 23 year old pony and he noted a loose tooth. He said horses start to get loose teeth from about 16 but Dr Google tells me teeth should wear down rather than fall out or be pulled. I'm an over thinker at the best of times and worrying that this is now the start of ongoing dental issues or a symptom of an underlying problem. Does anyone have any experience of tooth loss in oldish (but not elderly) pony pals? Is this normal or should I be getting the vet out for an MOT? Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated

 

[teddypops]

My 32yo pony had worn and loose teeth so he struggled to eat hay but could eat everything else ok. My vet and dentist were happy with him.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

My old boy who was between 28-35 according to vet, started to lose teeth rather than wear them down. Mind you many were completely done and the cushings I don’t think helped.

 

[Carrottom]

My friends pony lost a few teeth I his late 20s early 30s. Vet and dentist said it was normal. He could eat grass no problem. If the tooth is loose I would check regularly for any build up of matter that could cause infection.

 

[AandK]

My late 29yo was minus about 4 or 5 teeth when she was PTS in November. 2 were removed by the dentist as wobbly enough to cause discomfort. The others came out by themselves. Neither vet nor dentist were concerned by this. I think she was 25 ish when the first tooth went. She had no issues eating hay right up to when she was PTS.

 

[Fiona]

My hubby 21yo has just had three loose teeth removed.

We have owned her from a 3yo, and she also had regular dental treatment, so no neglect involved.

Fiona

 

[peanut]

My 20 yo pony has very worn front teeth such that she can't graze easily but no loose ones yet. She does very well on grass pellets.

 

[paddy555]

my 22 yo arab started losing weight. Vet, a dentist, found a loose molar in the top. Pulled it out and horse was fine and put weight back on. You could see mine was not quite so good eating hay before removal. That was a couple of years ago and no further problems, not the start of a downhill path or anything. I would establish with vet (or dentist) if it needs to be removed or not ie if it is causing problems or if it can stay for the moment, if horse is eating and getting fat or struggling and losing weight.
I wouldn't worry too much just regard it as a one off incident to get advice on and make a decision.

 

[mavandkaz]

Perfectly normal to have loose teeth and for them to fall out.
A couple of years ago my mini had a loose tooth pulled out. Dentist has recently been, turns out she has lost 4 or 5, and although all of her remaining bottom teeth are in good nick, ALL of her remaining top teeth are loose, some very and one has twisted. Dentist tried to pull it out but it wouldn't budge.
We were both happy that despite it looking quite bad she is happy, eating well, and has a good appetite.
If anything changes dentist will be straight back out but we think it will probably fall out on its own
She can still eat grass, but not hay, so gets fed soaked feed to top her up.