Horse dentistry

Dentistry is an important part of horse care. Just as we go (or should go) to the dentist once or twice a year, horses too should have their teeth checked on a regular basis. Equine dentistry has been around in many forms for years, but recently over the past 10-15 years knowledge has progressed and its importance in equine health has become better known.

Owners often ask why their horses need dental work when wild horses seem to survive without dentistry. There are a few answers to this question, but it is largely due to the difference in management. Wild horses are constantly grazing and their feed is often rougher (natural grass contains silicates) which wears down teeth more evenly. In contrast our domesticated horses eat hay, which is softer, and grain so their teeth are not worn the same way. Natural selection also puts pressure on wild horses, so horses with genetically bad teeth are not going to survive as long. Also, we ask domesticated horses to wear bridles and perform, which can be affected by dental disease.

Horses’ teeth are meant to continuously grow until about the age of 20 because the teeth are constantly worn down with chewing. Horses do not chew in an up and down motion, but side to side in a circular type motion. If you have ever looked into a horse’s mouth, you may have noticed that the bottom jaw is narrower than the top so the teeth do not directly sit on top of each other like ours do but overlap by about 50%. This means that as the teeth grow, the inside edge (near the tongue) of the lower molars, and the outside edge (against the cheek) of the upper molars develop sharp points which if they are sharp enough can cause ulcers in the cheeks. If the molars do not line up 100% front to back they can develop what we call hooks on the first or last molars. Occasionally if these hooks aren’t addressed they can grow into the opposing tissue. Horses can also develop what we call “wave mouth” which is when one molar short so the opposing molar grows taller to fill in the space. After about 20 years, but that can depend on the individual horse, the molars stop growing. This means that as the horse continues to eat the molars will become shorter and smoother, eventually compromising their ability to chew hay effectively.
Horses often may not show signs of existing dental disease. Signs that owners may notice are dropping pieces of partially chewed hay while eating (called quidding), bad odor to the breath, eating slower or making abnormal chewing motions, or weight loss. Other signs that owners may not attribute to dental disease are abnormal head carriage, fussing with the bit, or resistance while riding, but horses can often have severe dental disease with no outward signs.

While a veterinarian may check the teeth either by feeling the edge of the outer molars for sharp points or briefly holding the mouth open, this is usually a cursory look and not a thorough exam. This will give us an idea if the horse has any obvious abnormalities or sharp points that need to be addressed, but we cannot diagnose loose or cracked teeth, get a good look at the molars in the back of the mouth, or appropriately examine for dental disease. To do this a speculum should be used along with a good light. A speculum holds the horse’s mouth open so we can properly inspect each tooth. Often sedation is needed to keep the horse calm and from throwing its head. Whether dental hand floats or motorized tools are used depends upon the veterinarian’s experience and preference as both have pros and cons depending on who is using the tools. Either way the horse’s sharp points along with any other existing dental issues should be correctly addressed.
How frequently a horse needs to have dental care depends on age, management, genetics, and other factors but an examination should be performed on a regular basis, usually about every 12 months.
If you have any questions about equine dentistry please do not hesitate to contact Aspen Creek Veterinary Hospital or you regular veterinarian.