Dental disease in horses is common, painful, and frequently underdiagnosed. Regular equine dental care is a cornerstone of horse welfare, affecting feeding efficiency, behavior, and quality of life.
Key Facts
Horses' teeth erupt continuously throughout their life and require regular floating (filing) to prevent sharp points causing mouth ulcers.
An estimated 50-80% of horses show some degree of dental pathology on examination.
Dental pain in horses commonly manifests as head tossing, bit resistance, dropping feed, and weight loss.
Horses should receive professional dental examination at least annually, with more frequent checks for horses in active work.
Wolf teeth — vestigial first premolars — commonly cause bit pain and are routinely removed in working horses.
Welfare Considerations
Dental pain in horses causes significant welfare harm that is often attributed to behavioral problems or poor training rather than recognized as oral pathology. Horses with sharp dental points, periodontal disease, or impacted teeth experience pain during eating and bitting that affects every aspect of their working and social life. The investment in annual dental care prevents chronic pain and behavioral deterioration. Owner education about dental welfare indicators is critical because horses rarely refuse to eat despite significant oral discomfort.
What You Can Do
Schedule annual dental examinations with a qualified equine dental technician or veterinarian.
Monitor horses for signs of dental pain: head tossing, quidding (dropping food), weight loss, resistance.
Ensure dental care is included in any pre-purchase examination for horses.
Keep records of dental work to track changes over time.
Choose a qualified equine dental veterinarian affiliated with a professional body.