Companion Animals

Equine Dental Health and Welfare

Dental disease is one of the most common and welfare-significant health problems in horses and ponies, affecting feeding, behaviour, and overall wellbeing.

Key Facts

Around 70% of horses over 15 years old have significant dental disease
Sharp enamel points on molars cause painful ulcers on the cheeks and tongue
Dental pain frequently manifests as ridden behaviour problems rather than obvious oral signs
Horses require dental examination by a qualified equine dentist at least annually
Power tools for equine dentistry should only be used under sedation to prevent injury

Welfare Considerations

Horses with untreated dental disease suffer chronic oral pain that affects every meal and may cause weight loss, poor performance, and behavioural changes that owners may not attribute to dental pain. Regular dental assessment and treatment is one of the most impactful welfare interventions for equine owners. Young horses particularly benefit from early dental assessment.

What You Can Do

Arrange annual dental examination with a qualified equine dentist for all horses
Do not delay dental treatment if a horse shows behavioural changes or difficulty eating
Ensure dental work involving power tools is performed only under veterinary sedation
Include dental health in pre-purchase veterinary examinations
Support equine dental welfare education through BHS and BEVA