Routine Dental Care
Routine dental care is an important part of your horse’s overall health and well-being. Regular, thorough oral exams help identify developing problems before they become painful or affect your horse’s ability to eat, perform, or maintain a healthy weight.
Horse teeth are unique in that they erupt continuously over time, making routine examinations essential for identifying and addressing conditions before they become more serious. Early detection and treatment can help maintain your horse’s comfort, support proper chewing, and promote long-term oral health.
YOUNG HORSES
Young horses may require more frequent dental examinations as their teeth erupt and develop.
How Often Should My Horse Have a Dental Examination?
ADULT HORSES
Adult horses are generally good candidates for annual dental examinations.
Senior horses may require more frequent dental examinations due to age-related changes.
SENIOR HORSES
What to Expect During Your Horse’s Dental Examination
A veterinarian from our team will perform a physical exam and discuss any concerns or issues your horse may be having. After that discussion, your horse will be sedated for the safety of both the horse and our team. We will then perform a comprehensive dental examination, evaluating each tooth for abnormalities, infection, or periodontal disease.
Our oral examination has multiple components:
Extraoral: Examination of the head and surrounding structures outside the mouth.
Soft Tissue: Inspection of the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other soft tissues for signs of injury or disease.
Occlusion: Assessment of how the upper and lower teeth meet and function together.
Periodontal: Evaluation of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gingiva and surrounding tissue
Endodontics: Assessment of the tooth itself, including the pulp horns and signs of internal disease.
While the oral examination is essential, odontoplasty (floating) is also an important part of maintaining your horse’s overall oral health.
Once the examination is complete, we will discuss our findings and recommendations with you. If advanced diagnostics are necessary, we can perform them at the time of your appointment.
Ready To Schedule Your Horse’s Dental Examination
Routine dental care can help keep your horse comfortable, eating well, and performing at their best. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive dental examination for your horse.