Equine dental disease causes significant pain that affects eating, behavior, and overall health; regular dental care by qualified practitioners is fundamental to horse welfare.
Dental pain in horses is frequently misattributed to behavioral problems or bit resistance, delaying treatment. Sharp points and uneven wear cause painful ulceration with every chewing movement, reducing feed intake and causing nutritional decline. Horses with dental pain may resist bridling, show head-tossing, or perform poorly under saddle in ways that result in punishment rather than veterinary investigation. Comprehensive oral examination under sedation reveals dental pathology that routine visual checks miss. Regular preventive care by qualified practitioners prevents most significant dental welfare problems.