Equine Dentistry

Signs of Poor Dentition in Horses

Here are some possible indications of dental issues to watch for:

Reluctance to eat
Quidding (dropping feed while chewing)
Chewing with mouth open
Eating slowly or leaving feed
Weight loss or loss of condition
Excessive salivation while eating
Bleeding from the mouth or blood in saliva
Colic
Nasal discharge
Facial swelling
Undigested feed in manure
Head tossing or shaking
Bucking
Head tilting while ridden
Difficulty bending
Opening the mouth when ridden
Trouble getting 'on the bit'
Smell coming from the mouth
Tilting the head while eating

However, don't always rely on these signs. Horses are incredibly good at masking dental pain and may show no symptoms even when in discomfort.

If you're unsure whether your horse has had a dental check in the past six months, it's best to get it checked as soon as possible. It’s a case of better safe than sorry — early treatment is often more effective and more cost-efficient than correcting advanced issues.

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.

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Gentle, qualified equine dental care at your yard , improving your horse’s comfort, performance, and wellbeing. Serving owners, riders, and stables across the North with flexible, on-site appointments.