Dental disease is a common and significant welfare problem in horses of all ages, and regular dental examination and treatment is essential for preventing chronic pain and poor condition.
Dental disease causes significant chronic pain in horses that is frequently underestimated because horses tend to continue eating despite discomfort. Sharp enamel points lacerate the cheeks and tongue with every chewing motion, causing persistent pain during feeding. Wave mouth, hooks, and ramps create abnormal occlusal surfaces causing jaw pain and uneven wear. Horses with dental pain may show subtle signs including sensitivity to contact around the head, reluctance to flex at the poll, and resistance to rein pressure that is often misattributed to training problems. Regular six-monthly dental examinations by a qualified professional, with appropriate treatment, directly prevents chronic dental pain and significantly improves welfare and performance outcomes.