Dental health isn’t just for people! It also impacts the health and quality of life of our animals. For horses, prevention is the key to proper dental management. Horse owners should plan on having a veterinarian perform a thorough dental exam every 6 months.
You should also be on the lookout for warning signs of dental disease. This may include fussing over the bit, being head shy, dropping feed, sinus discharge, foul odor, loss of body condition / wasting, drooling, swelling around the mouth / mandible, etc.
If you suspect your horse may have a dental problem, we can help. Our team of equine dental specialist offer both in-hospital and on-the-farm dental services. Treatments may include, but are not limited to:
- Intra- and extraoral extractions of diseased teeth
- Root canals
- Facial fracture repair
- Treatment of sinusitis
- Oral tumor evaluation, assessment and management
- Malocclusion
- Composite restorations of defective teeth
What is “floating teeth”?
Floating teeth refers to the routine process of filing or rasping down any sharp or uneven surfaces that can develop on a horse’s teeth as they wear down from chewing. Horses have a continual process of tooth eruption throughout their lives, meaning their teeth grow constantly. Over time, this can lead to formation of sharp points or uneven wear, which can cause discomfort or even injury to their mouths, gums, or tongue.
Floating is typically performed by a veterinarian or an equine dental specialist using specialized tools, often a rasp (a large file) or a motorized floating tool. The goal is to smooth out the rough formations on the teeth, making it easier and more comfortable for the horse to eat, and preventing potential issues like painful sores or difficulty chewing.
