The Equine Dentist: Why Your Horse Needs Regular Dental Care

Did you know an adult male horse typically has 44 permanent teeth, while a mare has between 36 and 40? Until they are about five years old, horses have a first set called deciduous teeth, after which their permanent adult teeth erupt. Proper dental care is essential for your horse's wellbeing and longevity.

Throughout evolution, horses’ teeth have adapted to their abrasive diets. About 18 million years ago, fossil records show that horse molars grew taller and developed more complex surfaces to efficiently chew tough grasses and plants, laying the foundation for modern equine dentition.

Why does my horse need a dentist?

You need a dentist for your horse because regular equine dental care is vital for their overall health, comfort, and performance. Horses rely on their teeth to grind fibrous feed, and dental problems such as sharp enamel points can cause painful mouth injuries, making chewing difficult and leading to nutritional deficiencies.

An equine dentist, usually a veterinarian with specialised training, performs routine examinations to detect problems early, floats teeth to smooth sharp points, and can safely extract damaged teeth. They also provide sedation during procedures, ensuring your horse's comfort and safety throughout dental care.

This professional care prevents pain, improves feeding efficiency, supports better performance, and can extend your horse's lifespan by avoiding secondary health issues related to poor dental condition.

Constantly growing teeth? What you should know

While it is often said that horses’ teeth grow constantly, their permanent teeth actually finish growing once fully erupted, reaching about 12cm in length. However, the teeth gradually erupt from the gums approximately 0.3cm per year to compensate for the abrasive wear from chewing.

Because of this constant wear, sharp edges and uneven wear patterns often develop on the chewing surfaces, which can cause pain and eating difficulties without regular dental checks and floating (filing).

Signs your horse may have dental issues

• Dropping food from the mouth while eating
• Difficulty chewing or excessive salivation
• Weight loss or poor overall condition
• Undigested food in manure
• Resistance to the bit, head tossing, or bit chewing
• Bad breath
• Swelling around the face or mouth
• Discharge from the nose
• Blood in the mouth
• Behavioural changes indicating pain

Remember, some horses may tolerate mild discomfort and not show obvious signs, so regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection and care.

Does pasture affect horse dental health?

Yes, being at pasture generally benefits your horse’s dental health. Natural grazing involves using incisors and molars with varied jaw movements that promote more even tooth wear. Different grass textures and occasional shrubs encourage a full range of chewing movements, reducing uneven wear.

Conversely, pellet or cubed diets often require less chewing and may inhibit normal jaw action, potentially leading to dental and jaw issues. Encouraging natural grazing and chewing behaviours supports healthier teeth.

Common equine dental problems

• Dental caps: Retained deciduous teeth after permanent teeth erupt.
• Molar hooks: Sharp projections caused by jaw misalignment where teeth don’t wear evenly.
• Parrot mouth: Congenital condition where the upper jaw is longer than the lower jaw, causing abnormal tooth wear and hooks.
• Lack of wear abnormalities: Teeth becoming overgrown and requiring shortening.
• Broken teeth, gum or dental infections: Resulting from injury or poor dental health.
• Enamel points: Sharp edges forming on molars due to uneven chewing surfaces.

What happens during a dental visit?

A skilled equine dentist will thoroughly assess your horse’s dental health to ensure comfort and function. A visit usually includes the following steps:

1. Checking the face for swelling or abnormalities.
2. Manipulating the jaw to confirm free movement front to back and side to side.
3. Floating the first two premolars, usually with a gag to keep the mouth open or without for nervous horses.
4. Floating all other teeth to create smooth chewing surfaces, with regular breaks every few minutes.
5. Checking incisor alignment to ensure correct angle and jaw movement.

Preparing your horse for the dental visit

Many horses are not accustomed to having their mouths handled beyond receiving treats or a bit. Gradually accustom your horse by touching the front of the nose and lips without expecting treats. Encourage acceptance of gentle mouth handling to reduce stress during the dental procedure.

Special considerations for older horses

Older horses are more likely to experience dental issues because their teeth do not keep growing; they erupt gradually and eventually wear down completely. This can lead to hook formation, difficulty chewing, and digestive problems like choke and colic.

However, with regular dental checks and adjustments, along with specialised senior diets, older horses can maintain comfort and health well into their twilight years. As with hoof care, routine dental care is key to a long, happy, and pain-free life.

Just as the saying goes, “No feet, no horse,” the same is true for teeth. Regular professional dental care supports your horse’s wellbeing and ensures they remain comfortable and productive throughout their life.

For those looking to acquire horses, remember to seek responsible sellers and reputable breeders. To explore available horses for sale across various breeds, check out horses for sale and find the right equine companion for your needs.