Equine peripheral and infundibular dental caries: A review and proposals for their investigation
Authors: Borkent D., Dixon P. M.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
Summary
# Editorial Summary Dental caries in horses encompasses two distinct pathological entities—peripheral and infundibular—yet peripheral caries remains poorly characterised in the general equine population regarding prevalence, severity, and aetiological factors. Borkent and Dixon's 2017 review synthesises current understanding of equine dental caries aetiopathogenesis, examining the microbial and biochemical mechanisms whilst critically evaluating competing theories about whether specific pathogens or dysbiotic shifts in normal oral flora drive disease. Pathological examination has identified two patterns of cemental destruction in peripheral caries, with evidence suggesting that routine clinical assessment significantly underestimates lesion extent and severity. The authors propose standardised investigation protocols to address critical knowledge gaps, recognising that peripheral caries appears to be increasingly diagnosed in clinical practice yet lacks robust epidemiological data and established risk factors. For practitioners, this review underscores the importance of detailed diagnostic imaging and pathological investigation when caries is suspected, particularly given the limitations of gross oral examination and the potential for subclinical disease progression that may compromise long-term tooth viability.
Read the full abstract on the publisher's site
Practical Takeaways
- •Peripheral dental caries is increasingly common and likely underdiagnosed on routine examination—consider advanced imaging or endoscopic assessment in suspect cases
- •Manage fermentable carbohydrate intake and maintain oral hygiene to reduce acidogenic bacterial activity, as this is the primary driver of caries formation
- •Recognize that clinical examination alone may miss significant cemental destruction; histopathological evaluation may be needed to fully assess disease severity
Key Findings
- •Dental caries in horses is primarily caused by acidogenic microorganisms converting fermentable carbohydrates to acids
- •Two distinct types of dental caries recognized in horses: peripheral caries (increasingly recognized) and infundibular caries
- •Gross dental examination underestimates the severity of equine peripheral caries based on limited pathological studies
- •Little is known about prevalence, severity, risk factors, and microorganisms involved in peripheral dental caries aetiopathogenesis