Horses require regular dental cleanings and care. Without it, they cannot chew properly and could develop health issues that affect other parts of their bodies.
A veterinarian can inspect a horse’s mouth to detect sharp points (hooks) and file them down with an effective process known as floating, which does not cause pain as they do not contain nerve endings in their teeth.
Brushing
Horses develop thick, hard tartar that builds up along their gumline causing irritation and even bleeding, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay or other serious dental problems (1). Tartar removal should ideally be carried out by a veterinarian as part of regular dental examination, however this task can also be completed at home using special brushes or cleaners designed specifically for horses.
Horse teeth are composed of cementum, which absorbs pigments found in food eaten by horses and can stain its enamel over time. Though yellowing or darkening of teeth is normal for horses, owners should have their horse examined regularly by either an equine veterinarian or member of an international association of equine dental technicians to keep an eye on how it’s progressing.
At these examinations, veterinarians can detect and treat any abnormalities in a horse’s teeth (2). A proper dental exam should involve more than just visual inspection; palpation (feeling) should also be employed. A veterinarian should be able to recognize loose or missing teeth as well as sharp points between adjacent teeth that develop during chewing (3).
Dental problems in horses can often go undetected when not properly assessed; as horses are adept at concealing pain. Therefore, many equine dentists recommend sedating horses during flotation sessions to remove sharp edges (4).
Brushing your horse’s teeth can help keep them clean and even help prevent certain dental diseases. If your horse will tolerate it, start by brushing their front teeth first as this area tends to accumulate more food debris. Be gentle while using a large bristled brush as some horses don’t like having anything put into their mouths and may bite if unfamiliar objects enter them. Once they become comfortable having something inside their mouths like toothpaste and brushes inside their mouths you can move gradually onto back teeth but always being mindful of any sensitive gums!
Dental Scalers
Dental scalers are handheld tools used to scrape away buildup using sharp edges. Available both manually and powered by ultrasonic vibration, dental scalers work effectively. While both options work equally well, some veterinarians and equine dentists have their preferred devices; traditional handheld manual scalers resembling picks may be easier for reaching all angles while controlling; others prefer high-tech powered scalers that feature ultrasonic vibration.
Though horses’ teeth tend to be healthy, it is still essential that they be floated regularly in order to remove sharp enamel points that form when chewing. This process, known as floating or occlusal equilibration, may also help correct malocclusion of dental arcades or any of the problems listed under “Common Dental Problems”.
Most horses receive their teeth floated during annual physical exams as part of a comprehensive dental exam program. A dental exam provides the ideal opportunity to identify and resolve problems before they become painful or dangerous for the horse. Telltale signs that your horse needs their teeth floated are poor attitude while eating, unwillingness to consume food and mouth sores.
An indication of possible dental disease in horses includes changes in behavior, such as chewing with one side of their mouth instead of both or becoming unwilling to ride. If this is observed, contact your veterinarian for a full oral evaluation and dental cleaning session immediately.
Importantly, it’s essential that owners recognize that a horse’s teeth do not turn dark from plaque unless the animal has not been regularly groomed and/or is missing teeth. Teeth infected with gum disease will eventually turn darker on their own but if caught early and treated effectively may still save some or even all the original ones. Proper dental care for horses should be prioritized by all owners; regular visits from your veterinarian as well as home cleaning sessions can help to maintain optimal oral health for your horse.
Extractions
Horses possess two sets of teeth: the incisors and cheek teeth. Both sets continue to erupt throughout their lives while also wearing down over time, creating issues with chewing and eating due to changing shape of teeth.
The incisor teeth feature distinctive markings known as cups and dental stars on their flat “table” areas called cups and dental stars which gradually wear away as horses age. Cups appear as dark brown indentations in the enamel that generally disappear within eight years, leaving a smooth table surface. Dental stars start as single line markings before developing into circular areas as the horse matures – these too usually vanish by eight years.
Galvayne’s groove, a narrow groove on the outer surface of corner incisors that begins at the center of each tooth and moves toward the gum line over time, can provide another sign of aging in horses older than 10 years, although for an accurate assessment other indicators should also be utilized.
As horses’ mouths change frequently, it is vital that annual oral exams be performed. A full mouth exam should include sedation of the animal while opening its mouth wide with a full mouth speculum; any abnormalities should then be assessed and treated as necessary.
Quidding (when the horse chews loosely or balls up their feed instead of grinding it) and other signs are easy to identify in horses, such as dropping feed, weight loss, salivation or facial swellings; other subtler indicators could include dropping feed or weight loss as well as salivation or facial swellings. Proper dental care will allow horses to eat better while remaining healthier overall – regular oral exams should form part of every horse’s health program.