3T Equine Dentistry

08/04/2026

Please stop normalizing inverting horses’ heads when performing dentals. It’s not quality care. It’s not necessary.

That’s all.

08/04/2026

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better” -Maya Angelou

Equine dentistry has been practiced in various forms for thousands of years, with records showing dental care for horses in 600BC China. Early equine dentistry was used as a method of fraud when traders and owners learned they could alter the teeth to resemble the shape of those belonging to a much younger horse. In the late 1800s when horses were being ridden more for pleasure, the “scrubbing of the sides of the cheek teeth” with a Farrier’s rasp became what we know today as a “float”. I️t was soon discovered that his was only a partial fix for the many problems horses develop that affect riding and eating.

In recent years, equine dentistry has made the transition from the “float” to “full mouth equilibration” thanks to the demand for improvement and proficiency from horsemen and women around the world.

In 1906, a book titled “Animal Dentistry and Diseases of the Teeth” stated “the principle objective of dentistry is to promote the general health of the horse by improving mastication and relieving pain.” Although tools, trends, and techniques have evolved, our goal is still the same. As more information becomes available in regards to ways we as providers can enhance oral health and comfort, owners should demand that their horses are receiving the best possible care from a practitioner who is up to date with current industry standards, methods, and recommendations.

Is your horse receiving dental care that is a thing of the past?

07/21/2026

Poor-quality picture for poor-quality dental care 🫣

Here is a great reminder that miniature horses need proper dental care and you cannot ever be too cautious when purchasing, even if the seller states "He gets floated every year".

Lucky for this little guy, he has the best new owners who are making sure he has proper care. ♥️

Interested in what's inside your horse, mini, pony, mule, or donkey's mouth?
Give me a text or call!
📱: 304-893-8200

07/15/2026

🫘 Although not tooth-related, sheath cleaning and de-beaning are services I offer in combination with dentals or as a stand-alone service.

This was a case where the owner knew there was an issue, but the horse was uncomfortable with her being near this sensitive area. Some horses are not comfortable with this area being handled, making the cleaning and de-beaning procedure sometimes dangerous, especially for those who are inexperienced.

Upon inspection, it was immediately known why the horse was uncomfortable... this giant bean. "Beans" are hardened balls of smega, dirt, dead skin cells, and urine that accumulate in the urethral fossa (a pocket in the head of the p***s, just above the urethra). Beans are irritating to the horse, can interfere with urination, and even cause infection and other health complications.

The bean was carefully broken up and removed, and the sheath was then cleaned. Upon completion, the horse urinated with a sigh of relief and was in return, much more comfortable.

Sheath cleaning and de-beaning should be done at least once a year, ideally twice, and more frequently for horses with excessive build-up.

Reach out to schedule an appointment!
📞 : 304-893-8200

07/10/2026

07/04/2026

Dentals at Shear Joy Farm, Shearing & Fiber Mill is always a great time! Who can beat an audience like this? 😂 🦙

Check out their social and their website https://www.shearjoytx.com/ lots of great stuff! 🦙 🌟

07/01/2026

06/28/2026

Here are some funny (uneducated) things I've heard lately! 🤯

"My "trusted provider" said they can "knock the points off real fast"."
- don't even get me started on this one 🙄

"Can we just pull all the caps now so we don't have to deal with them in the future?"
- Caps are not just there for fun! Caps serve as a temporary chewing (or nipping when referring to incisors) surface that protects the forming permanent tooth. Caps should not be removed prematurely, as this can disturb the dental sac of the underlying permanent tooth.

"My horse is fat, so he/she doesn't need a dental."
- Some of the fattest horses I have seen have had the worst dentition. Regardless of weight, all horses should have a dental performed at minimum once per year.

"My horse is (insert any age above 2), so it doesn't need it yet/anymore."
- Dentals should start at age 2 and continue at least yearly until ALL teeth are expired.

"...but wild horses don't get dentals."
- Wild horses are just that... wild. They are not domesticated. Humans have not intervened by changing their environment, diet, or genetics.

There's nothing wrong with being uneducated... There is an issue with being unwilling to learn.

If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out! If I don't know the answer, I will find out or find someone who can!
☎️ :304-893-8200

06/21/2026

Happy First Day of Summer! 🏝️

Here are a few reminders for booking in the summer months ➡️
☀️ Morning appointments are ideal - let's try to beat the heat!
☀️ If there is no barn to work in, please have a shaded area out of direct sun.
☀️ Please make sure horses are hydrated before I get there.
☀️ I need electricity, clean water, and a dry area with a place to suspend my dental halter.

If you have any questions or need to book an appointment, don't hesitate to reach out!
📱: 304-893-8200