When I perform a pre-purchase training assessment I frequently see issues with head tossing, bit refusal/avoidance and improper headset. Many of the problems can be attributed to poor training and inexperienced hands. However, just as many problems can be blamed on a lack of consistent, quality equine dental care. The type (or lack) of bit does not establish whether or not dental care is needed. Every horse requires regular dental exams and most need intervention at some point in their life.
Good equine dental care is far more than having the horse’s teeth “floated”. Floating implies that the sharp edges of the teeth are removed to facilitate a more efficient chewing surface. Traditionally, this has been accomplished with some basic mechanical instruments and a lot of muscle. In reality, professional equine dentistry includes much more than this. The mouth is cared for to provide maximum efficiency and ease in chewing (a vitally important part of digestion), but it is also examined and serviced to aid in bit placement and performance. Both reasons lead to the following basic dental exam “check-list”, which is not given in any particular order of importance. Some specialists may do more or less than the list below, based on the horses age, breed, performance, feed routine and housing.
1. Check for sharp points and examine molars. Horse’s teeth grow continually during most of their life. For this reason, edges that do not meet a chewing surface on the opposing jaw may grow unchecked and result in sharp “points” that eventually interfere with chewing. This means that a seen or unseen portion of a tooth may be cutting into the horse’s mouth/gums with each bite or movement of the jaw. This constant contact can result in painful mouth ulcers that may go undiagnosed for months. Severe sores can result in infection, inability to utilize feed and behaviors when bridled that can only be described as uncooperative.
2. Check for wolf teeth. Wolf teeth are in reality the first premolar on the upper jaw. They are considered vestigial and are usually extracted due to interference with bits and/or for other health reasons.
3. Examine the incisors. The front teeth, or incisors should line up and not interfere with the horse being able to meet top and bottom molar chewing surfaces. Also, a missing or damaged incisor may allow the opposing tooth to grow unchecked and interfere with feeding. I have seen excessively long incisors create both chewing problems and bit challenges. Excessive or uneven wear may indicate behaviors such as cribbing or chewing.
4. Inspection of gums and related mouth tissue. One of the commonly overlooked symptoms of a greater problem is gum/tissue health. The equine dentist will check for sores, swelling, infection etc… that are often indicative of a greater problem. The sores are not the problem, just the symptom!
5. Examine overall bite reciprocity. Do the teeth line up? Are there the correct numbers of teeth? Some genetic conditions such as “parrot mouth” are easily seen. Other problems may be found upon closer examination and then a plan for future care devised to obtain maximum long-term health and performance. An un-erupted tooth hidden behind another tooth can cause discomfort and poor performance. Likewise, a piece of lodged debris can become a catalyst for decay or a foundation for an abscess. Careful examination and treatment is critical to maintain optimum dental health.
6. Extraction of problem teeth. Despite our best efforts, teeth do occasionally need to be extracted. A severely decayed tooth, left unchecked can result in a serious enough condition that the horse’s health is in jeopardy. By this point, antibiotics may be needed and/or daily flushing of the horses mouth in order to get the infection under control. Foul smelling breath is a good indicator that the horse’s health is not what it should be.
7. Check range of motion. A professional equine dentist is aware of minimal tolerances in jaw range of motion. Any great deviation may indicate a potential problem.
8. Talk to the owner. One of the most important parts of the exam should be questioning the owner as to the horses life style and habits. Along with this, some dentists may check fecal matter for size and degree of breakdown. All of this information should be used along with the exam to complete a care plan appropriate to that individual.
Horse owners cannot ignore the importance of good equine dental care. Providing on-going and preventative care can maximize feed use, improve performance and help keep the horse mentally and physically sound. Ask your Veterinary professional what type of specialized training/experience they have in dentistry, or if they prefer, whom they recommend that strictly practices in that field. Investing in your horse’s dental health provides a lifetime return!