Equine Dentistry and Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Dental disease in horses causes significant chronic pain and is a major but often under-recognised welfare issue requiring regular professional assessment and treatment.

Key Facts

Horses' teeth erupt continuously throughout life and require regular floating (filing) to prevent sharp edges
Sharp dental points cause painful mouth ulcers that affect eating and acceptance of the bit
An estimated 70% of horses have some degree of dental disease requiring treatment
Without treatment, horses may lose significant weight and experience difficulty chewing
Dental disease is often missed because horses are prey animals that mask pain and difficulty eating
Power-assisted dental equipment under sedation enables more thorough examination and treatment

Welfare Considerations

Equine dental welfare is one of the most consistently under-provided aspects of horse care. Horses with sharp dental points, wave mouth, or periodontal disease experience pain with every mouthful of food and with bit pressure during riding. Owners often interpret reduced performance or behavioural changes as training problems rather than pain responses. Annual or bi-annual dental examinations by a qualified equine dental technician or veterinarian under sedation is the standard of care that ensures comfort throughout the horse's working and retirement years.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual or bi-annual dental checks for all horses under your care
Use a qualified equine dental technician or veterinarian registered with professional bodies
Recognise signs of dental pain including quidding food, head tilting, and reluctance to accept the bit
Ensure older horses receive more frequent dental assessment as tooth wear patterns become complex