Dental health is fundamental to equine welfare. Horses with unmanaged dental problems experience pain when eating and bitting, leading to reduced food intake, weight loss, and behavioural issues.
Dental pain in horses is often chronic and underrecognised. Because horses are prey animals that mask signs of vulnerability, owners may not notice pain until it has become severe enough to cause significant behaviour changes or weight loss. Regular dental examinations by a qualified equine dentist or veterinarian enable early identification of problems before they cause suffering. Key welfare-relevant conditions include sharp points causing mucosal lacerations, diastemata (gaps between teeth) that trap food and cause periodontal disease, and wave mouth, where uneven wear prevents proper chewing. Routine care typically costs less than treating the consequences of neglect.