Tooth question

[harveydales]

Had my annual visit of the horse dentist to my 3 today. Harvey and Quest just needed a routine rasp.

Winnie (who is about 32) had his back teeth gently rasped and they are fine. However, he has a problem with one of his tushes. The enamal has completely worn away on the outside exposing the pulp. The dentist cleaned the tooth up and said it would be better to try and avoid extraction as these teeth have very long roots and it is fairly big surgery so not ideal for an old pony.

I've been instructed to get a soft toothbrush and some antiseptic mouthwash (chlor?? - got the name written down downstairs) and brush the tooth twice a day to try and keep infection at bay. Apparently the tooth will soon disintigrate and then Winnie will be fine but I need to prevent infection spreading downwards to the bone.

I will do all of this ofcourse but wondered whether any of you with homeopathic or similar knowledge could suggest something I could give
Winnie to help prevent infection. He is in good health generally and a fairly tough little pony.

[jacquidales]

I always use oil of cloves, but I know its not to everyones taste as it is very strong, but effective. When I used to be into aromatherpay I was shown how to make up a nice mouthwash using lavender oil and tea tea oil with a bit of lemon. They were then mixed with water to swill out the mouth.I still have the dosages somewhere. I could find them when I get back from Portugal.

Hope Winnie doesn't have any bother with this, poor little man.

[mabel]

Our vet used some stuff on Willows tooth that dentists use on humans. You mix it with hot water and it goes into a paste that hardens rock hard as it cools. Can't remember what it's called, but I think she was one of the first in the country to have this sort of treatment. Your vet may be able to use it to cover over the pulp in winnie's tooth.

[harveydales]

Jacqui - yes, please do give me the dosages when you are back. thanks.

Kim - that sounds very interesting. How did your vet apply it to Willow? Did Willow have to have a gag on until the stuff had set? ie is it a job for dentist and vet togehter? I haven't spoken to my vet yet but, from what you say, I doubt they will know about this. I will also give my human dentist a ring. He is very interested in horses and might have some ideas too. Thanks.

[mabel]

She did have a gag but it sets really fast. The vet did it, he mixed the granuals up with very hot water and they went into a paste, then he filled in the hole in her tooth with it and it set almost immediately. I'll PM you my vets details so you or your vet can have a chat with them if you'd like and find out if it would be any good for Winnie.

[harveydales]

got your PM - thanks Kim. I'll ring your vets on Monday and see if they think the treatment might help Winnie. If so, I suppose my dentist and vet will need to ring them to discuss it.

Winnie wasn't quite so happy about having his teeth brushed this morning so I'm not looking forward to doing this twice a day for many weeks!