Equine dentistry & looking after your horse’s teeth

Let’s take a closer look at equine dentistry, the common dental problems that occur in horses and how to reduce your horse’s risk.

Common dental problems in horses include:

• Continual eruption of the teeth, combined with lack of wear, can lead to the development of sharp enamel points, which can wear against the inside of the cheek, often leading to painful ulcers
• A misaligned jaw can lead to overbite or ‘parrot mouth’
• The teeth may become fractured or even fall out, often as a result of caries, periodontal disease or old age. When this does happen, trapped food might gather between the gaps, causing gum disease and decay of the remaining teeth
• Other abnormalities of the teeth

As an owner, it’s important to keep an eye on your horse’s teeth and to have them checked regularly by an equine vet.

Spotting problems with your horse’s teeth

If something is wrong with your horse’s teeth, symptoms may include:

• Bad breath
• Dropping food from their mouth while chewing or eating (this is known as ‘quidding’)
• Food packed within their cheeks (struggling to chew)
• Change in ridden behaviour
• Reluctance to accept their bit
• Weight loss – in extreme cases

If you spot any of these, contact your vet before the suspected condition has time to get worse.

Reducing the risk of dental problems

Just like with human dental care, prevention is preferable to cure. The best thing you can do to keep your horse free of dental problems is to keep their teeth in good condition. 

Stay vigilant

Checking your horse’s teeth regularly is a good habit to get into. You might not be able to see the molars yourself but checking the front teeth will make sure you don’t miss any obvious problems – never check your horse’s teeth without the help of a dental speculum. If you’re unsure, seek the help of a vet.

You might be able to tell if something’s wrong just from the smell of your horse’s breath!

Keeping sugary treats to a minimum can also help. Feed them fruit sparingly and use carrots as a reward instead.

Take care around their teeth

When checking your horse’s teeth or when applying the headgear before taking them out for a ride, be careful not to knock anything against their teeth.

Keep an eye out for symptoms

Bear in mind that dental problems can be more subtle than you might think. Err on the side of prevention, have your horse’s teeth checked regularly by a professional. If symptoms do show, have them checked as soon as possible.

What to do if something is wrong with your horse’s teeth

If you suspect your horse may be suffering from a dental or teeth-related condition, contact your vet as soon as you can. They’ll be able to conduct further tests and take the appropriate action.

Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.