Vet Tips 2025: How Common Are Dental Abnormalities in Horses? 🐴🦷

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

While many horse owners associate dentistry with "floating teeth," the truth is that dental abnormalities are surprisingly common—and they can affect your horse's health, comfort, and performance. With the rise of processed feeds and stall-based lifestyles, modern horses aren’t wearing their teeth like their wild ancestors once did. 🧠🐎

Why Are Dental Abnormalities Increasing? ⚙️🌾

Before domestication, horses spent up to 80% of their time grazing. The coarse texture of grass, combined with constant chewing and movement, naturally filed down tooth edges. Today’s horses often eat:

• 🍽️ Pelleted or processed feeds
• 🏠 Spend more time stabled than on pasture

This shift reduces the natural wear patterns of their teeth, increasing the likelihood of sharp points, hooks, and other abnormalities. ⚠️

Study Findings: Who's Most at Risk? 🔬📊

Researchers at the University of Queensland examined the skulls of 400 horses across different ages and found:

• 🧓 Horses aged 11 to 15 years had the highest occurrence of dental disease
• 🦷 Many problems stemmed from untreated minor issues earlier in life

This highlights the importance of early detection and regular care. Small problems become serious if left unaddressed. 🩺

Common Dental Issues in Horses ⚠️🦷

• 🔪 Sharp enamel points
• 🪜 Step or wave mouth (uneven grinding surfaces)
• 🧒 Retained baby teeth (caps)
• 🧬 Malaligned or overgrown teeth
• 🦠 Pockets of infection or abscesses

Even mild abnormalities can impact a horse’s ability to chew, accept a bit, or perform comfortably. 🎯

Performance Signs of Dental Trouble 🐎❌

• 🗣️ Resistance to the bit
• 🥣 Dropping feed or quidding
• 📉 Weight loss despite good appetite
• 💥 Head tossing or behavioral issues
• 🧬 Nasal discharge or foul mouth odor

If your horse shows any of these signs, it's time for a dental exam. ⏱️

What You Can Do to Prevent Dental Disease 🧼🛠️

1. Schedule Regular Exams 🩺📅

All horses should have their mouths examined by a vet at least once a year—or more often for older horses or those in performance work. 🐴

2. Increase Grazing Time 🌿

Allow more time on pasture to encourage natural tooth wear:

• 🏞️ Turn out when possible
• 🥗 Feed forage-based diets

3. Feed on the Ground (Safely) 🥣⬇️

Ground feeding encourages proper chewing angles and promotes dental symmetry. But ⚠️ avoid sandy ground to reduce the risk of sand colic.

4. Address Minor Issues Early 🔍

Even baby teeth and mild malocclusions can set the stage for bigger problems. Don’t skip dental exams in young horses! 🧒🩺

Is Floating Still Necessary? 🪥💡

Yes—dental floating (smoothing sharp points) is still essential, but today's approach is more targeted. Modern veterinary dentistry focuses on:

• 📐 Balancing the bite
• 🧠 Minimizing overcorrection
• 📊 Addressing asymmetry and early wear issues

Are Senior Horses at Higher Risk? 👴🐴

Absolutely. Senior horses may have:

• 🦷 Missing teeth
• 🍽️ Difficulty chewing long-stem hay
• 🧬 Pain from exposed roots or infection

Senior-specific feeding strategies and biannual exams may be recommended. 📋

Need a Dental Plan for Your Horse? Ask A Vet 📱🦷

Wondering if your horse needs a float? Not sure what age dental care should start? Connect with an equine dentist or vet at Ask A Vet.

Download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 guidance on dental exams, feed recommendations, and performance dentistry support. 🐎💬

Final Thoughts: Dental Health = Total Health 🧠🐴

Don’t wait for weight loss, bit resistance, or dropped feed to realize there’s a problem. Preventative dentistry is one of the best investments in your horse’s long-term health and performance. 🧠💙

Need support? Visit Ask A Vet for real-time dental advice from licensed equine professionals. 🐴🩺