Dental disease and abnormal tooth wear are common sources of chronic pain in horses, and regular veterinary dental examination with rasping or floating is essential for maintaining welfare and performance.
Dental pain is one of the most underappreciated sources of chronic suffering in managed horses. Unlike dogs and cats, horses rarely show obvious signs of dental pain such as refusing food entirely, because their survival instincts maintain eating behavior despite significant oral discomfort. The result is that horses with severe sharp points, periodontal disease, or tooth fractures may experience years of chewing pain before the problem is identified and addressed. Behavioral changes attributed to training issues, including head tossing, resistance to the bit, and reluctance to accept contact, are frequently dental in origin. Regular examination by a qualified equine dental professional, with appropriate floating to remove sharp points and address abnormalities, prevents the accumulation of dental welfare problems that compound over time.