Dental problems are among the most common causes of chronic pain in horses, yet regular dental examination is insufficiently routine in horse management.
Horses with dental pain eat less efficiently, lose body condition, and show resistance to handling of their heads. Because horses are stoic and do not stop eating entirely even with significant dental pain, the problem is often not recognised until severe. Bit-related pain from sharp points or wolf teeth is manifested as training problems that are often attributed to behaviour rather than pain. Regular dental care prevents the accumulation of dental problems that impair quality of life.