Proper dental care is important for horses to maintain good health and avoid dental problems. Just like humans, horses can develop issues with their teeth, such as cavities, abscesses, and overgrown or misaligned teeth. Horses that have dental problems, such as overgrown or misaligned teeth, may have difficulty chewing and digesting their food properly. This can lead to weight loss or a failure to gain weight, even if the horse is consuming a normal amount of food. 

One of the main challenges with horse dentistry is that it can be difficult for the horse to open its mouth wide enough for the veterinarian to access all of the teeth. This can make it hard to get a good look at the horse’s mouth and identify any issues.

To address this, veterinarians may use sedation or a specialized dental speculum to help keep the horse’s mouth open. They will then examine the teeth, looking for any signs of problems, such as chips, fractures, or sharp edges. They may also use a float, which is a tool that is used to file down rough or sharp edges on the teeth.

Proper dental care for horses usually involves routine check-ups and floatings every 6-12 months. This can help to identify and address any issues before they become serious problems.

Overall, good dental care is important for maintaining the health and well-being of your horse. By working with a veterinarian and following a regular dental care schedule, you can help to ensure that your horse’s teeth stay healthy and strong.