Equine Welfare

Dental Care and Welfare in Horses

Dental problems are among the most common causes of pain and poor welfare in horses, yet routine dental care remains inconsistent across the industry.

Key Facts

Horses teeth erupt continuously throughout life and require regular floating
Sharp enamel points cause mouth ulcers and cheek lacerations
Dental pain affects eating behavior, bit acceptance, and overall temperament
BEVA recommends annual dental checks for horses under 10 and twice-yearly for older horses
Wolf teeth and retained deciduous teeth are common sources of discomfort

Welfare Considerations

Dental pain is often missed in horses because they continue eating despite discomfort, masking the problem. Signs include head tilting, quidding (dropping food), resistance to the bit, and unexplained weight loss. Ridden problems frequently attributed to behavioral issues actually stem from oral pain. Equine dental technicians and veterinary dentists provide essential care, but access and affordability remain barriers for many horse owners.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual dental checks for your horse with a qualified equine dental technician
Learn the signs of dental pain including quidding, bit resistance, and head tilting
Ensure your horse has access to appropriate forage to support natural dental wear
Advocate for mandatory dental care standards in equine welfare legislation