Frequently Asked Questions About Equine Oral Health
Proper dental care is essential for your horse’s overall health, comfort, and performance. We understand you might have questions about our services, procedures, and the importance of regular dental care for your horse. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive FAQ page to address common concerns and help you make informed decisions about your horse’s oral health.
If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to contact us at (732) 946-0767—we’re always happy to help!
Equine dentistry involves much more than just floating teeth. A comprehensive oral exam should be performed before any dental treatment, including floating. Only veterinarians are trained and licensed to perform these exams, which include:
- Examining the lymph nodes and facial symmetry for any swelling or abnormalities.
- Checking for nasal discharge or odor.
- Assessing oral soft tissues for any abnormalities.
- Inspecting periodontal structures to evaluate gum and tooth health.
- Checking endodontic status to identify potential tooth infections or fractures.
- Evaluating occlusion to ensure proper alignment.
The exam requires sedation, a dental speculum, a bright light, and specialized mirrors and probes. After the exam, we will develop a treatment plan tailored to your horse’s specific needs.
Regular oral exams and dental care like floating are crucial for preventing painful conditions caused by sharp points, malocclusions, or dental disease. Horses chew in a figure-eight motion and have a narrower lower jaw, which can lead to uneven tooth wear. This results in sharp edges that can cause:
- Painful cuts or sores inside the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or digesting food
- Risk of infections or more serious dental issues
Routine dental care helps maintain your horse’s comfort, performance, and overall health.
An equine dentist is a veterinarian who has undergone additional specialized training in equine dentistry. Board-certified veterinary dentists have:
- Graduated from veterinary school
- Completed a one-year internship and several years of a formal dental residency
- Passed a rigorous certification exam by the American Veterinary Dental College® (AVDC®)
While any licensed veterinarian can perform routine dental care, board-certified specialists are best equipped to handle complex cases and advanced surgeries.
Veterinarians are uniquely trained to detect dental problems that are not visible to the untrained eye. They can diagnose and treat conditions like gum disease, tooth fractures, or oral infections before they worsen. Only a veterinarian can legally and safely:
- Administer sedation
- Perform comprehensive oral exams
- Provide treatments like floating or extractions
Sedation is essential to ensure a thorough and safe examination. It allows us to:
- Keep your horse calm and still
- Use tools like mirrors and lights to inspect the entire mouth
- Perform procedures without stress or discomfort for your horse
Most horses need dental exams and floating once or twice a year. We’ll determine the appropriate schedule based on your horse’s age, dental health, and unique needs. Regular care helps prevent issues like colic, weight loss, or choke.
Preparing for your horse’s dental exam is simple:
- Have your horse ready in a stall, run-in shed, or other safe, non-slip area.
- Remove obstacles that could interfere with the exam.
- Keep hay and feed out of reach until your horse fully recovers from sedation.
If multiple horses are being examined, rotating them through the same area is helpful for efficiency.
You can ride your horse 2–3 hours after the exam, once they are fully awake and recovered from sedation.
Wild horses have shorter lifespans than their domesticated counterparts due to the lack of medical and dental care. They live on rough forage that wears their teeth differently but also leaves them vulnerable to infections and early tooth wear, which makes them unable to chew and digest their food properly. Domesticated horses live longer and benefit from softer feed and regular care, making dental exams essential.
Absolutely! Senior horses are prone to issues like periodontal disease, malocclusions, and weight and tooth loss. Regular exams help manage these conditions and keep your horse comfortable and healthy, even in retirement.
Yes! Miniature horses and donkeys often require more dental care due to crowded teeth and malocclusions. We provide routine exams, floating, and oral surgeries for these smaller equines.
Watch for symptoms like:
- Weight loss or decreased appetite
- Dropping feed (quidding) or chewing abnormally
- Bad breath or nasal discharge
- Swelling on the face or fussing with the bit
- Behavioral changes like head shaking or resistance under saddle
Even if your horse shows no signs, routine exams are key to catching hidden issues early.
If you have additional questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your horse’s oral health is our priority!