Companion Animal Welfare

Equine Dentistry and Oral Welfare

Dental disease is extremely common in horses and ponies and causes significant welfare impacts through pain, difficulty chewing and impaired nutrient absorption when left untreated.

Key Facts

Horses have hypsodont (continuously erupting) teeth that require regular rasping (floating) to prevent sharp edges
Wolf teeth, hooks and overgrowths cause pain, quidding and resistance to the bit
Most horses benefit from dental examination and treatment every 6-12 months
Behavioural signs of dental pain include head shaking, reluctance to eat hard feed and ridden resistance
Equine dentistry should be performed by a vet or qualified equine dental technician

Welfare Considerations

Unaddressed dental disease is a leading cause of preventable pain and weight loss in horses. Many horses tolerate significant oral pain without obvious outward signs, making routine examination essential. Proper dental care also improves bit comfort, which is directly relevant to training welfare. Regular attention to oral health throughout a horse's life is one of the most important welfare investments an owner can make.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual or biannual dental checks for your horse with a qualified practitioner
Learn to recognise signs of dental pain including quidding, nasal discharge and head tilt
Ensure youngstock receive their first dental examination around 12-18 months of age
Maintain records of dental treatment as part of your horse's health history