Horse teeth ebb and flow continuously during their lifetimes. Unfortunately, they frequently experience uneven wear or even hooks that must be “floated” or trimmed down. Horses should visit their veterinarian for a dental examination at least once a year (older horses need more frequent check-ups). Using a file or nippers, your veterinarian will check the teeth that have sharp tips or edges.
Good dental hygiene provides benefits. Your horse will be more comfortable, make better use of its food, possibly perform better, and even possibly live longer. You also need to provide digestive supplements for horses.
Anatomy of a horse’s mouth
Horses are grazing animals that have developed with teeth that are well suited for that activity. The incisors, or front teeth, are used to shear off fodder. Particularly the molars and premolars, easily mash the feed before it is ingested. Thanks to their wide, flat, gravelled surfaces. Horses have two sets of teeth throughout their lives, much like humans.
Baby teeth, commonly referred to as deciduous teeth, are transient. Most horses reach their entire set of permanent teeth by the age of 5. Knowing the approximate ages at which certain teeth erupt would make it easier for you to spot any teething-related irregularities in your own horse.
Dental problems
When you spot the tell-tale symptoms of your horse’s refusal to chew or eat, “quidding” or dropping food while eating, taking a bite slowly or displaying additional symptoms of a sore mouth or having bad breath brought on by gum disease or dental decay, they are experiencing dental issues.
Equine dental vet would check your horse’s dental health for some common dental issues such as the teeth developing sharp enamel spikes that can lacerate the cheeks and tongue, canine (bridle) teeth that are long and/or sharp making it difficult to insert or remove the bit, damaged or missing teeth, abnormal or irregular bite planes, excessive tooth wear, cap retained (deciduous teeth that are not shed), gum disease called periodontitis, poor alignment or positioning (can be due to congenital defects or injury), etc.
An integral component of a veterinarian’s yearly physical examination should include oral exams. Every dental examination offers the chance to carry out regular preventative dental maintenance. In the end, the horse is happier and healthier.
Preventive maintenance
Every dental examination offers the chance to carry out regular preventative dental maintenance. In the end, the horse is happier and healthier. “Floating” is the term that has been used historically to describe routine dental care for horses.
Sharp enamel points are eliminated by flotation. Any dental operations should be preceded by a thorough oral examination. Regular inspection and repair are particularly crucial for horses with missing teeth or horses whose teeth are not wearing properly due to misalignment.
Infections of the teeth and gums, extraordinarily long hooks or overgrowths on the cheek teeth, and missing or cracked teeth are just a few of the serious dental disorders that can happen. A qualified veterinarian may be required to perform extractions or provide advanced dental care for certain disorders. Your horse’s veterinarian can advise on the best course of action or, if necessary, refer your horse to a dental specialist.
