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May 13, 2022
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This is an idiom when used to describe humans. Human teeth do not continue to grow after formation and eruption.

 

This is literal (not an idiom) when used to describe an animal’s age –specifically horses. Estimating a horse’s age by examining its teeth is a centuries-old practice that is still commonly used today. Note that along with the length of the teeth, wear patterns and irregular “floats” are considered too.  

 

While horses’ gums do recede as they age, their teeth also grow an average of about 75 mm (3 inches) per year during their lifespan. Horse’s teeth naturally wear as they eat hay, and especially as they forage for grass, which is chewed with sand. Some horses will intentionally chew on small mouthfuls of sand to accelerate the wear. This behavior is commonly seen among horses that are heavily grain-fed, as they forage less.  (I heard that from the horse’s mouth.)

 

Modern horses that are properly cared for will have their teeth refloated once or twice a year by a veterinarian or keeper who is trained and skilled in the process.  Even with this process it is still possible to estimate the age of a horse by teeth wear patterns and gum recession.  

 

During the annual or semiannual oral care exams, excessively long teeth are shaved and ground to optimum levels along with the refloating procedures, and dental carry restoration. Yes, horses get cavities. Unlike humans, equine cavities will grow out. This is a great natural advantage considering that (some) horses have only had human dentists caring for their oral health for a century or so... (One less thing to be down in the mouth about.)

 

 

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Hi Ron,

I’m sure you are long in the tooth, assuming you still have at least one of them. LOL

How’s Gracie?

 

 It's foolish to bet on a horse without talking to him first. I know it seems silly to ask a horse who's going to win a race - but it's no sillier than asking anyone else. –Gracie Allen

 

GA

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May 13, 2022

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