Equine Dental Care
Why Horse Dental Care Is Important
Unlike human teeth, horse teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Since horses rely on plant-based diets, they extract nutrients by grinding and crushing plant fibres. As a result, this repeated activity, combined with the anatomy of a horse’s mouth (where the upper row of teeth is wider than the lower row), can lead to abnormal wear patterns such as malocclusions and enamel points. If left untreated, these issues can cause discomfort, poor performance, weight loss, and other welfare concerns.
Benefits of Regular Equine Dental Care
Fortunately, regular equine dental care helps prevent these problems. It not only improves performance but also reduces the risk of costly medical bills, and it can even extend your horse’s life.
Equine Dental FAQ's
Signs Your Horse May Have Dental Problems
Weight loss
Quidding (dropping food)
Head tossing, shaking or tilting
Chronic colic or oesophageal obstruction (choke)
Loose manure
Behavioural changes
Foul oral odour or nasal discharge
What Is Involved In a Horse Dental Work Up?
A full dental work-up typically includes:
Physical examination
Sedation
External exam of head and jaw
Thorough oral exam with an oral speculum
Floating and equilibration
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (such as Bute) if required
Sedation keeps your horse comfortable and ensures safety for everyone involved. It allows the veterinarian to properly rinse out feed material, place the oral speculum, and carry out a complete dental float and examination. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory may be recommended afterwards to reduce inflammation or soreness. Please notify the veterinarian of any pre-existing medical conditions, history of gastric ulcers, right dorsal colitis, or any current medications before the procedure.
After Horse Dental Treatment
Most horses recover quickly and can return to normal activities within 24–48 hours. In some cases, an extended course of anti-inflammatories may be needed if the horse appears sore or is eating slowly. Light bitting contact is recommended after dental work.
Contact your vet if your horse is not eating or drinking normally, seems listless, has very firm stools, or shows signs of discomfort such as excessive drooling or holding the head in an unusual manner.
How Often Should Horses Have Dentals?
Horse dental care needs vary depending on age.
Foals:
A check at birth is important to detect congenital issues such as cleft palate or parrot mouth.
Foaling to 5 years:
Because of rapid changes as baby teeth are shed and permanent teeth erupt, horses should have a dental exam every 6 months. The first official dental is usually at 9 months, when wolf teeth (which can interfere with biting) may be removed.
Before training:
A dental exam before breaking in ensures the horse is comfortable with the bit and prevents pain-related behavioural issues.
Adult horses:
From 5 years onwards, most horses need an annual dental check. Without this, sharp points and overgrowths can develop, sometimes requiring multiple treatments to correct.
Senior horses:
Older horses are prone to periodontal disease, which is painful and can affect overall health. In broodmares, oral infections have even been linked to reproductive problems.
Regular equine dentistry not only supports oral health but also improves comfort, performance, and long-term well-being.