Horse Dentistry and Welfare: The Overlooked Importance of Oral Health

Dental disease is one of the most common causes of pain and welfare compromise in horses, yet regular dental examination remains underutilised. Good oral health is fundamental to equine comfort, nutrition and performance.

Key Facts

Horses have hypsodont teeth that continuously erupt throughout life — sharp enamel points develop on cheek teeth that cause pain, ulceration and reduced feed intake
Dental disease is estimated to affect over 80% of horses over fifteen years old; many show no obvious clinical signs despite significant oral pain
Equine dental examination requires a gag, headtorch and trained professional — horses cannot easily signal dental pain to owners unfamiliar with the signs
Weight loss, quidding (dropping partially chewed food), head-shaking and resistance to the bit are common presentations of dental pain
Regular dental examinations — at least annually, twice-yearly for older horses — are the most effective preventive measure

Welfare Considerations

Dental pain in horses is chronic, common and largely invisible to owners without specific training. A horse with severe cheek tooth ulceration may be performing, eating and appearing well, while experiencing constant discomfort. The welfare implications extend beyond the mouth — horses in dental pain alter their chewing, reducing nutrient absorption and contributing to weight loss and digestive problems. Equine dental veterinary science has advanced considerably; routine dental examinations by qualified equine dental veterinarians or vets with dental training are the single most effective preventive welfare intervention for horses.

What You Can Do

Book annual dental examinations for all horses in your care, and twice-yearly for those over fifteen
Learn to recognise early signs of dental pain — changes in eating, head-shaking, resistance to the bit
Ensure dental work is performed by a qualified equine dental veterinarian or veterinary surgeon
Include dental examination as a standard component of pre-purchase veterinary checks
Advocate for mandatory dental welfare standards in horse ownership guidance and welfare legislation