Horses’ teeth never stop erupting, so they rely on constant grinding to keep them level. Domestication has altered their diet and routine so much that natural wear no longer keeps up. If sharp edges form, they can cut the cheeks and tongue, causing pain and reducing performance. Regular dental checks help prevent these problems and catch issues early.

• Continuous eruption:
  Horse teeth emerge throughout life — chewing must wear them down at the same rate.


• Natural vs. domestic diets:
  Wild horses graze 16–20 hrs/day on rough forage.
  Domestic horses eat softer feeds and graze ~8 hrs/day, so their teeth wear more slowly.


• Jaw anatomy matters:
  The upper jaw is wider than the lower, leading to unopposed edges that form sharp enamel points.


• Consequences of neglect:
  Sharp points can cause ulcers, weight loss, head-shaking, and reduced performance.


• Routine dental care:
  Check teeth every 6 months with a vet or equine dental technician (EDT).
  Yearlings: initial exam to check eruption and get used to the gag.
  Age 2: first rasp; remove wolf teeth early to avoid bitting issues.
  Older horses: still need checks to stay comfortable while eating.