Horses' teeth grow continuously throughout their lives and develop sharp edges that cause oral pain and difficulty chewing. Regular dental maintenance by a qualified equine dental technician or vet is a fundamental welfare requirement.
Horses with sharp dental points experience pain during chewing that causes feed dropping, quidding, and reluctance to accept the bit. Chronic dental pain leads to weight loss, poor body condition, and behavioural problems that are frequently misinterpreted as training issues. Wolf tooth removal and bit seat creation require sedation and proper pain management. Older horses develop more complex dental problems including wave mouth, step mouth, and missing teeth that require more intensive management to maintain welfare.