Just like
people, horses need regular dental care and maintenance to ensure healthy and
long lasting teeth and gums. Most veterinarians will perform routine dental
exams and floating (the process of filing off the sharp edges) during their
bi-annual farm calls. But problems can crop up in between visits.
Some of the
signs of equine dental discomfort may initially appear as training issues. A
horse that tosses his head, for example, may have a sharp tooth. Other signs
include head tossing, avoiding contact with the bit, or not wanting to have his
face or muzzle handled. A horse that salivates excessively or becomes a hard
keeper may be having trouble chewing his food.
Common horse dental problems include (and sound very much like human teeth ailments:
Sharp molars that cause rubs and sores
on the cheeks and tongue
An abscess
Tooth and jaw misalignments
Wolf teeth may interfere with a bit in his mouth
Inflammation of the gums may cause problems from periodontal
disease
Horse dental care requires that owners schedule visits with the veterinarian every six
months, and for young horses, before they go into training. Ask you vet for a thorough examination
if you horse exhibits any of the symptoms above. Just as in humans, dental problems
can lead to other, more serious ailments, so a preventive maintenance routine is key to
healthy horse teeth.
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