Dental disease is one of the most common unrecognised welfare problems in horses. Regular dental care by qualified practitioners is essential throughout a horse's life — from erupting wolf teeth in young horses to wave mouth management in older animals.
Horse dental welfare is frequently unrecognised because horses are stoic and adapt to dental pain over time. Owners often attribute weight loss, hay wastage and reluctance to the bit to training issues rather than dental pain. A horse that cannot chew properly cannot maintain body condition regardless of how much feed is provided — dental welfare directly determines nutritional welfare. Qualified equine dental technicians (EDTs) with BHS or equivalent qualification perform routine rasping and floating. Veterinary involvement is required for tooth extraction, nerve blocks and complex procedures. Wolf tooth removal in young horses — before bitting begins — is a welfare procedure that prevents years of pain. Senior horse dental management prevents the cascade of welfare problems associated with lost teeth and irregular wear.