IRREGULARITIES OF THE TEETH 197 



The treatment of deformed mouths consists in removing the 

 irregular or unworn portion of the teeth by means of the tooth 

 float and cutters. This attention should be given earlv before the 

 free portion of the tooth has become excessively long and irregu- 

 lar. This should be followed by dressing the teeth every six or 

 twelve months. 



Sharp Lateral Borders on the Molar Teeth. — This is a very 

 common condition in horses. The external border of the superior 

 and the internal border of the inferior row of molars wear away 

 slowly, and sometimes become quite sharp. This is objection- 

 able because the sharp points lacerate the mucous membrane of 

 the cheek and tongue, and the mastication of the feed is seriously 

 interfered with. 



This condition is caused by an excessive difference in the 

 width of the jaws, unusually prominent ridges of enamel on the 

 external face of the superior molars, and any conditions that 

 may limit the movements of the jaw. 



The following symptoms may be noted. The animal has 

 difficulty in masticating the feed because of injury to the cheeks 

 or tongTie by the sharp points of enamel. This condition may 

 be indicated by holding the head to one side. Salivation is 

 usually present. Acute indigestion and innutrition may occur. 



By examining the teeth, their condition can be determined. 

 The sharp borders may be removed by dressing or floating the 

 teeth. It is advisable in the majority of horses to float the teeth 

 at least once in every twelve months. 



Irregularities in the Table Surface of the Molar Teeth. — 

 Horses eight years of age or older frequently have irregular 

 molars (Fig. 56). This is due very largely to the difference in the 

 quality of the teeth. The harder molars do not wear off as rapidly 

 as the softer ones. This results in the table surfaces of the rows of 

 molars becoming wavy or step-like in outline. Sometimes the 

 first or sixth molar overhangs or projects beyond the corre- 

 sponding tooth of the opposite jaw. When this occurs, the over- 



