Equine Dental Health
Maintaining good dental health in horses is essential for their overall well-being and performance. Just like in humans, dental problems can lead to discomfort, pain, and more serious health issues if left untreated. Horses rely on their teeth for proper chewing, which directly affects their digestion and nutrition. Without proper care, horses can develop a range of dental issues, such as sharp points, misalignments, or even decay, that can hinder their ability to eat effectively. This guide explores why equine dental health is crucial, how to recognize potential problems, and what steps can be taken to ensure your horse's teeth stay healthy throughout their life.
WHY DO HORSES HAVE TEETH PROBLEMS?
Horses’ teeth continuously grow throughout their lives, and as herbivores, they rely heavily on their teeth to grind down tough plant material for proper digestion. Horses chew in a sideways direction, and this pattern of chewing can lead to sharp points that dig into their tongue and cheeks.
With modern medicine, horses are now living longer, healthier, and happier lives, which often outlive the life of their teeth. Molars continuously erupt and wear against each other throughout a horse’s life, but eventually, they reach the end of their eruption and either become completely smooth or fall out. Not all a horse’s molars reach the end of life at the same time, and lost molars can lead to steps or waves in the opposing teeth as they grow out with no tooth surface to grind against. If not corrected, these steps or waves can lead to a poorly aligned bite, pain, and weight loss.
Horses need to eat a lot of hay and feed each day to maintain their body weight (an average-sized 1,000 lb. horse eats about 15-20 lbs. of food a day). If the teeth are not aligned properly or sharp, this can lead to a disruption in their chewing. If they cannot chew efficiently, then weight loss and other health conditions develop.
WHY DO THEY NEED DENTAL CHECK-UPS?
1. Prevent Pain & Discomfort
Fractured Tooth
Image courtesy of UC Davis Center for Equine Health
As horses age, their teeth change, and problems can develop over time. Routine dental checks by a veterinarian are vital in identifying issues early before they become painful or dangerous.
Untreated dental problems can lead to tooth decay, abscesses, and infections, causing severe pain and discomfort. Regular check-ups allow your vet to spot these issues before they escalate.
2. Improve Chewing Efficiency
A horse’s teeth naturally wear down as they chew, but sharp points, hooks, and uneven wear can develop. These irregularities can hinder proper chewing, leading to digestive issues and weight loss. A veterinarian can perform a procedure called “floating” to smooth out sharp edges and ensure efficient chewing.
3. Monitor Tooth Development
Image courtesy of UC Davis Center for Equine Health
Young horses experience significant changes in their teeth, and problems like retained caps or misaligned teeth can be addressed through routine dental visits. This ensures healthy development and minimizes the risk of long-term dental issues.
4. Address Age-Related Changes
Older horses are particularly prone to dental issues such as worn-out teeth, missing teeth, or gum disease. Annual check-ups help manage these challenges and maintain good dental health into your horse’s senior years.
SIGNS OF DENTAL PROBLEMS
1. Difficulty Eating or Chewing
If your horse has trouble eating or chewing, this could be a sign of dental pain. You may notice that they chew on one side of their mouth, drop feed, or leave food uneaten in their stall or pasture.
2. Excessive Salivation
Drooling or excessive salivation, especially during or after eating, can indicate that your horse’s teeth are not properly aligned or they may have sharp points that irritate the mouth.
3. Foul Odor from Mouth or Nostrils
Persistent bad breath is often linked to infections, abscesses, or food trapped in broken or decayed teeth. The roots of the upper molars reside in the equine sinus. Foul-smelling nasal discharge can be a sign of a tooth root infection which needs veterinary attention.
4. Head Tossing or Shaking
If your horse is frequently tossing or shaking their head while being ridden or when eating, it may suggest discomfort or pain in their mouth, which can be a result of dental disease.
5. Weight Loss or Poor Condition
Quidding
Image courtesy of Equide
If your horse is losing weight or not maintaining a healthy body condition, dental problems can be a contributing factor. Poor teeth can impair chewing, leading to inadequate digestion and nutrient absorption
6. Quidding
Quidding is when a horse drops partially chewed hay or feed. This occurs when the horse has difficulty chewing due to worn, sharp, or missing teeth. It can be a sign of severe dental disease.
7. Behavioral Changes
Horses with dental issues may become more irritable, reluctant to take a bit, or show signs of sensitivity when you handle their head or mouth
8. Visible Changes in Teeth
Look for obvious signs such as loose, broken, or missing teeth. You might also see abnormal wear patterns, such as uneven wear or hooks on the molars
DONKEYS, PONIES, & MINIATURE HORSES NEED DENTAL CARE TOO!
Dental care for these guys is just as important as it is for a regular-size horse. These animals have smaller, more compact mouths, which can lead to overcrowding, misalignment, or uneven tooth wear. Furthermore, they are eating hay chopped to a size best for horses, and those long stems can accelerate dental problems and lead to more complicated conditions such as choke.
WHAT IS DENTAL FLOATING?
Dental floating is a procedure where the veterinarian files down sharp points, hooks, and uneven surfaces on the horse’s teeth using specialized tools. It’s a routine and minimally invasive treatment that improves your horse’s comfort when chewing and helps prevent other dental issues. This procedure is typically performed under light sedation to ensure your horse remains calm and comfortable.
Issues Floating Corrects:
1. Removes Sharp Point
As horses chew, sharp points are created that dig into their gums and tongue, causing pain, ulcers, and infection. Floating files these points down to a nice smooth surface, eliminating the problem.
2. Maintaining Proper Bite
Floating ensures that the teeth wear evenly, which is crucial for proper jaw alignment and efficient chewing.
3. Boost Performance
Horses with healthy teeth can eat more effectively, improving their overall condition and performance in work or sport.
RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE FOR DENTAL CARE
Image courtesy of UC Davis Center for Equine Health
1. Young Horses (up to 5 years old)
Horses in their early years may need dental exams every 6 months to ensure proper development and monitor the eruption of permanent teeth.
2. Adult Horses (6-15 years old)
Once fully grown, horses should have their teeth checked and floated annually, as their teeth are more stable but can still develop problems over time.
3. Senior Horses (16+ years old)
Older horses may require more frequent dental checks (every 6-12 months) as their teeth begin to wear down, loosen, or suffer from age-related conditions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Taking care of your horse’s teeth is an essential part of maintaining their health and well-being. By being vigilant about the signs of dental disease and scheduling regular dental check-ups, you ensure that your horse stays comfortable, happy, and healthy. Annual dental checks and routine floating can prevent painful dental issues and help your horse lead a long, healthy life.
Remember – early detection and prevention care are key to keeping your horse and donkey’s smile and overall health in top condition!
References
American Association of Equine Practitioners. (n.d.). Learn to Recognize Your Horse’s Dental Problems.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. (2018, January). Equine Oral Exam. Equine Medicine Track. Davis, CA.
Related Resources
https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Learn_to_Recognize_your_Horses_Dental_Problems.pdf
