Marcus Fasey - Horse Dentistry

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

01/04/2026

We would like to announce that we have trialled the first BAEDT BOT.

Despite turning up on time, not demanding hot water, and not drinking all the tea, it was ultimately unsuccessful at catching the horse and putting on the speculum.

It appears that horsemanship, experience, and professional judgement cannot (yet) be programmed.

For now, we will continue to recommend BAEDT members - intensively trained, rigorously examined, and highly skilled equine dental technicians. 😉

13/02/2026

Well it’s that time on a Friday have a good weekend

10/02/2026

Following on from our last post, here’s a handy guide to average permanent eruption dates for you to save, helping you to keep track of your young horse’s dental changes!

09/01/2026

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTQm224k67Z/?igsh=eTB3dGxjczM4NXI5

05/01/2026

When did your older horse last have a dental examination?

As winter approaches, and there is less grazing available, it’s really important to address the dental health of your geriatric horses.

Older horses are more susceptible to dental issues due to natural changes in their teeth over time, so regular check ups are so important to ensure their comfort and maximum chewing ability.

Common dental issues found in geriatric horses include: Sharp enamel points, senile diastemata, periodontal disease, wear abnormalities, displaced teeth, mobile teeth, absent teeth, infundibular caries and equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH).

Equine teeth naturally wear down over their lifetime due to having hypsondont dentition. As the tooth wears apically, the enamel thickness decreases, resulting in a thinner enamel layer on the chewing (occlusal) surface. Another structural change, which affects the upper teeth, involves the infundibula. Infundibula only extend through 80-90% of the reserve crown; over time these infundibulum will wear out. With thinner enamel and worn infundibula, the teeth become more prone to wear, leading to a faster rate of attrition. This results in smoother teeth surfaces, which can reduce the efficiency of chewing hay.
These age-related changes create irregular wear patterns, contributing to uneven crown height and therefore further compromising chewing effectiveness.

Another physiological age related change is the natural tapering of the teeth which will lead to the development of gaps between the teeth which can trap food and lead to periodontal (gum) disease, mobile teeth and even tooth loss. These gaps are called senile diastemata. In cases of senile diastemata, treatment should be on a case by case basis. Early identification and long term management is really important to ensure the comfort of your horse.

If your older horse does have difficulty chewing hay due to compromised grinding surfaces, dietary changes may need to be considered such as switching to fibre mashes to ensure adequate nutritional intake. It’s important to discuss with your EDT or Vet if this is the case.

Horses are known for their stoic nature, which means they often don’t show obvious signs of discomfort until dental issues are advanced. This highlights the importance of frequent dental care, ideally every six months for older horses, to ensure their comfort and identify any problems early to give them the best chance of prolonging their chewing efficiency.

Visit www.baedt.com to find a qualified equine dental technician near you!

02/12/2025

14/11/2025

Nr Newark

Due to an increase in horse numbers and taking on an additional barn we are looking for an experienced YARD PERSON to join our team - this is a full time position

Must be hardworking and have a sense of humour

On-site single person accommodation available for the right applicant

You MUST be eligible to work in the UK as we are unable to offer sponsorship

06/11/2025

Work in malton

13/10/2025

Cancellation on Wednesday, appointments available