Routine dental examinations are important to your horse's wellbeing. A poor mouth can cause trouble in every aspect of your horse's life. This is why we examine your horse's mouth at every yearly vaccination appointment. But because we do not see your horse every day, you are the best person to catch subtle changes in your horses behavior that may indicate a dental problem.
Common Dental Problems
- Sharp enamel points along cheek and tongue teeth that can cause ulcerations or lacerations in the gums or tongue.
- Molar hooks or ramps that can limit the ability to chew properly and discomfort while eating or riding.
- Wolf teeth - These are tiny teeth that sit just in front on the first pre-molar tooth. As these can cause significant discomfort while riding, it is recommended that they are removed before placing a bit in the horse's mouth.
- Tooth fractures or tooth root infections.
- Excessive wear of one side of a tooth can cause excessive growth on the opposite tooth, causing asymmetrical dentation.
Signs of Dental Disease in Horses
- Dropping feed
- Weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight
- Foul odor from nostrils or mouth
- Resistance to bit or head tossing
- Generalized poor performance