Teeth trouble

[suefleet]

My gelding gets grass impacted between his front teeth at this time of year. I have to pick it out everyday and it's a horrible job that neither of us enjoys. His gums get very sore and often bleed no matter how careful and gentle I am. It doesn't happen in the winter when he's eating haylege only when he's on grass.
Has anyone had this problem or have any ideas for management?

 

[teddyt]

Can the vet/dentist drill away the gap to make it bigger/different shape so food doesnt stick? Theres an EDT on here sometimes, victoriaEDT is her user name (or similar). look her up and PM her.

 

[VictoriaEDT]

depends how severe the problem is and teddyt is right, when the packing gets bad the best option can be to widen the gaps using a reciprocating diamond disc to create a "channel" for the feed to slip through rather than getting stuck. This is a last resort though so best call your EDT to come and advise. If you dont have one go to www.baedt.com then to members for a list of qualified EDTs.

ps you are doing the right thing by cleaning out the gaps daily and if she will tolerate it swish the hose on the incisors!

 

[suefleet]

Thanks for your help. Drilling his teeth seems a drastic action tho! It's only a problem we have in the spring/summer. I don't mind pulling the grass out so much, it's the sore bleeding gums I don't like. Was hoping there might be some antibacterial or similar gel I could put on them. I do use Bonjela everydayand he loves a salt wash, but this problem just won't clear up. My EDT says to keep it as clean as poss.
In over 15 years off horse ownership I've never seen this before.

 

[kellyeaton]

my girl gets all her grass stuck in her teeth as well coz she is elderly but like you say just remove by hands if yo think her gums are a little in flammed or sore get some sage leave and water and put it in a tube like a wormer and just squried it into her mouth sage is verygood for horses mouth troubles!