Horses have hypsodont teeth, which means that their teeth continually erupt and wear out throughout their lifespan. The quantity of dental tissue is limited, which must be considered when rasping the teeth. Dental problems predispose horses to malocclusion, diastema and eating problems. A careful oral examination and well-planned rasping based on individual needs protect the horse’s teeth and ensure that it is able to eat even as it ages.
In addition to routine treatment, the Equine Hospital performs, among other procedures, tooth extractions and patching as well as gingivitis treatments.
The most common dental and oral problems in horses
A horse’s mouth should usually be inspected, and the teeth rasped, at intervals of 6 to 12 months. If a horse has difficulty eating, starts resisting the bit or presents other oral symptoms, an appointment for an examination should be booked without delay. Special attention must be paid to the dental care of young and old horses. The eruption of permanent teeth at ages 2 to 5, occlusion problems and wolf teeth can interfere with the bit and cause pain in the mouth. In contrast, problems associated with ageing in older horses, such as gingivitis and the chipping and increased fragility of the teeth, can make eating difficult and cause constant pain.