A horse’s teeth, unlike a person’s, grow throughout life and are worn down while it chews forage. If the horse does not wear them evenly, sharp edges can form that injure the cheeks and tongue, which in turn causes pain while eating and even while working on the bit. Young horses are particularly at risk of dental problems, as their milk teeth are replaced by permanent ones, as are older horses, in which the teeth may become excessively worn or loose.
Regular dental checks are also crucial for feeding. A horse with painful teeth will eat more slowly or avoid taking hard feed, which can lead to undernourishment and loss of condition. Poorly chewed feed also increases the risk of indigestion and colic. If you notice that the horse is starting to drop undigested pieces of hay or grain (known as quidding), chews for longer, tosses its head while eating or working, refuses concentrate, or develops an unpleasant smell from the mouth, be sure to discuss it with a veterinary surgeon or an equine dentist.
How often should a horse’s teeth be checked? Healthy horses, regardless of age, should have a dental check at least once a year, ideally in spring or autumn, before a season of harder training or a change of diet (for example the move from pasture to hay). In older horses and those with dental problems, the check is done as often as every 6 months. The examination should be carried out by a veterinary surgeon or a qualified equine dentist, who will look carefully at the mouth, remove sharp edges and check the gums and the cheek teeth. Only then can we be sure that the horse is able to make full use of the feed it is given.
💡FUN FACT: A horse has from 36 to 44 teeth, depending on sex and on whether canine teeth are present. Canine teeth, also called tushes, occur most often in stallions and geldings, and less often in mares. The first permanent teeth begin to erupt as early as 2.5 years of age, and the horse has a full mouth at about 5 years of age.
To sum up… Even the best-balanced diet will not be fully used if the horse cannot chew it properly. Regular dental checks are an investment in the health, performance and wellbeing of your horse. By checking the teeth at least once a year, you prevent health problems, loss of condition, colic and unnecessary pain, while also looking after the horse’s comfort in everyday life and in training.