The Importance of Dental Care
Every horse needs routine dental care. Start when it's a newborn foal by having it examined for congenital defects and malocclusions. Reexamine every six months.
Remember, your horse cannot talk, so the only way he can tell you he's in pain may be through head tossing, tongue lolling or even bucking. Resist the temptation to punish a misbehaving horse—an abrupt change in disposition might well be caused by a sore tooth. Unfortunately, unlike other animals, horses tend not to shed infected teeth, so any dental problems will only get worse until you intervene.
Sharp points can develop on a horse's teeth, which can cause problems with eating and also performance, as they may interfere with the action of the bit. The veterinarian can remove the sharp points by floating (rasping).
Senior horses have their own unique dental issues. In fact, Equine Senior® horse feed was designed to help with chewing problems due to teeth worn down by aging. But for more serious problems, you should involve your veterinarian. Inability to chew food properly can lead to weight loss, choking and other serious problems.
When it comes to dental care, your horse is relying on you. So talk to your veterinarian. He or she can show you how to perform a dental exam and offer helpful tips.
From the Horse's Mouth
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