Dental Care for Horses: A Welfare Priority

Equine dental disease causes chronic pain and is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed welfare problems in companion and working horses.

Key Facts

Horses teeth erupt continuously throughout life, requiring regular rasping to prevent sharp enamel points
Sharp points can cause cheek ulceration and tongue lacerations during bitting and chewing
An estimated 70% of horses with dental problems show no overt behavioural signs until the condition is advanced
Dental disease causes reduced feed efficiency, weight loss, and quidding in affected horses
The British Equine Veterinary Association recommends dental examination at least annually

Welfare Considerations

Horses are stoic animals that mask dental pain until it becomes severe, meaning owners and riders may overlook significant suffering. Sharp enamel points cause painful lacerations that are exacerbated by bit contact. Hooks, ramps, and wave mouth patterns interfere with normal chewing and can cause temporomandibular joint problems. Horses with untreated dental disease lose body condition despite adequate ration provision. The trend toward soft feeds in equine diets reduces the natural attrition that limits point formation. Annual dental examinations by a qualified equine dental technician or vet significantly reduce the prevalence and severity of dental welfare problems.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual dental examinations with a qualified equine dental professional
Learn the signs of dental discomfort including quidding, head tilting, and reluctance to bit
Feed forage-based diets to promote natural tooth wear
Ensure older horses receive more frequent dental checks as wear patterns change
Advocate for equine dental care as a standard component of horse ownership guidance