Maintaining a horse’s oral health is vital to its comfort, performance, and overall well-being. Regular equine dental exams, floating, and proper tooth care prevent pain and improve chewing efficiency. From wolf teeth extractions and molar recovery to the latest equine dentistry tools and techniques, modern dental care helps horses stay healthy, balanced, and responsive. In this section, explore in-depth articles and clinical insights on equine dental care, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral conditions. Learn about advancements in imaging, sedation, and instrumentation that support better outcomes for both horses and veterinarians. Most horses benefit from a professional dental exam every six to twelve months, with geriatrics seen more frequently. Regular evaluations identify sharp enamel points, periodontal disease, fractured or missing teeth, and EOTRH changes early, improving chewing efficiency, comfort, and nutrient uptake. Dropping feed, slow or asymmetric chewing, resistance to the bit, head tossing, hypersalivation, and weight loss can indicate oral discomfort. Subtle under-saddle changes and behavioral resistance may also point to occlusal problems or painful incisors requiring examination and floating. Floating smooths sharp enamel points and corrects minor occlusal imbalances to restore comfortable mastication. Performed by an equine veterinarian or dental specialist, it helps prevent cheek and tongue trauma and supports balanced biomechanics that influence overall performance. Efficient chewing reduces particle size and promotes better pre‑gastric processing, which supports hindgut health. Addressing malocclusions and painful teeth improves feed utilization and may reduce management‑related colic risk factors like impaction or gas accumulation. Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) affects incisors and sometimes canines of older horses, causing pain, periodontal infection, and loosening. Extraction is considered when radiographs and clinical signs show significant resorption, chronic discomfort, or draining tracts. Yes. Geriatric horses are prone to wave mouth, diastemata, periodontal disease, and EOTRH. More frequent exams, targeted extractions, softened rations, and careful monitoring of body condition can markedly improve welfare and longevity.Dentistry
Frequently Asked Equine Dentistry Questions
How often should horses receive a dental exam?
What are common signs of dental pain in horses?
What does it mean to float a horse’s teeth?
How does dentistry affect digestion and colic risk?
What is EOTRH and when is extraction indicated?
Do older horses need different dental care?
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