Equine Dental Care: Welfare and Routine Management

Regular dental care is essential for equine welfare, with sharp enamel points, hooks, and infected teeth causing pain that impairs feeding, acceptance of the bit, and overall quality of life.

Key Facts

Horses have hypsodont (continuously erupting) teeth that require routine rasping (floating) to maintain level wear
Sharp enamel points on the outer upper cheek teeth and inner lower cheek teeth are the most common dental finding
Horses typically require dental examination every 12 months; horses over 15 years may need more frequent assessment
Dental disease including peripheral caries, fractures, and periodontal disease is common in older horses
Modern equine dentistry uses power tools under sedation for effective and comfortable treatment

Welfare Considerations

Dental pain in horses is commonly masked by the stoic nature of the species, leading to chronic discomfort that manifests as difficulty chewing, head tilting, slow eating, and reluctance to accept the bit. Horses with dental disease may drop partially chewed food (quidding) or lose weight without an obvious explanation. Annual dental examinations by a qualified equine vet or BAEDT-registered equine dental technician allow early identification and treatment of dental problems. Pain relief during dental procedures and anti-inflammatory treatment for periodontal disease are important welfare components of equine dental care.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual dental examinations for horses and ponies from two years of age onward
Seek prompt assessment for any horse showing quidding, weight loss, or reluctance to accept the bit
Ensure dental procedures are performed with appropriate sedation and analgesia
Work with a BAEDT-registered equine dental technician or veterinary surgeon for all dental work