How Important is Equine Dentistry?

Equine dentistry is more than just floating teeth. The term ‘dental floating’ as related to equine dentistry, denotes the use of tools such as rasps, files, or burrs to perform odontoplasty or ‘specialized tooth reshaping’ of sharp points contained on the buccal or cheek portion of the upper row of cheek teeth and the lingual or tongue side of the lower row of cheek teeth. These sharp areas are thought to traumatize the cheeks and tongue. While floating is a physical or mechanical process, equine dentistry is much broader. It encompasses the health of the associated structures of the head, such as the sinuses, nasal passages, orbit, pharynx, hyoid bones, and guttural pouch. Comprehensive equine dentistry focuses on the effects of dental diseases on the health of the entire horse.

The general goals of equine dentistry are as follows:

• Examine, diagnose, and treat disease and infection.
• Relieve pain through the following:
  • Relieve discomfort associated with soft tissue injuries caused by sharp enamel points.
  • Reduce dental elongations, which place abnormal stress on affected teeth, jaws, and temporomandibular joints.
  • Alleviate stress and minimize damage and weakening of abnormally worn teeth.
• Promote general health, productivity, and longevity.
• Improve the chewing of food and digestion of feed.
• Prevent discomfort and improve performance in the horse wearing a bit and bridle.

Symptoms that may indicate an oral exam and dental float may be needed are a change in attitude, diminished appetite, difficulty chewing, taking longer to eat, dropping excessive feed or partially chewed balls of feed, soft manure or manure containing long hay stems, and difficulty with the bit or bridle. 

The frequency of oral exams and dental floating depends on the horse’s age and the oral exam findings. Generally, a juvenile horse should have a dental examination at foaling, at three months, and then every six months until age five. 

For healthy adult horses, a yearly dental examination is recommended. Horses older than 20 or with a history of dental problems should return to a twice-yearly schedule.

Note: The advice provided in this article is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.