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Sharp edges on the outside edge of the upper molars and premolars and the inside edge of the lower molars and premolars. These sharp edges are caused by the side to side grinding of feed during chewing. Over time, these sharp edges may cut into the cheek or tongue making it painful for the horse to chew. In less severe cases, the horse may experience discomfort when ridden resulting in head shaking or problems with the bit.

Hooks on the premolars and molars as a result of overbite or underbite. As a result of the teeth not meeting properly (malocclusion), the teeth are not worn down uniformly by an opposing tooth. This results in a hook, most commonly in the first upper cheek tooth (premolar 2). A hook on this tooth may cause problems with the bit. More importantly, the presence of a hook on the first upper cheek tooth signals a potential problem of the last lower check tooth. A hook on this last tooth may cause the horse considerable pain leading to serious weight problems and even colic.

Wave mouth, an abnormality where the teeth have an undulating pattern from front to back. In this condition, some teeth may be too long relative to the adjacent teeth, and other teeth may be worn down to the gum line.

Step mouth, where the front cheek teeth are longer than the back cheek teeth. Both of these problems may interfere with chewing.

Problems with individual teeth include:

Broken or split teeth. If broken off below the gum line, broken or split teeth generally do not cause a problem. If the tooth is broken off, care must be taken that the opposing tooth does not become overgrown.

Infected tooth roots may cause the horse pain and may result in extension of infection into the maxillary sinus. The signs of an infected tooth root and maxillary sinusitis include fetid smelling nasal discharge and foul breath, and possible swelling over the side of the face. This problem can be diagnosed by radiography and can be treated by removal of the tooth.

Probably the most serious problem associated with tooth problems in horses is inability to maintain body weight. As the horse ages, its digestive efficiency diminishes. This problem is compounded if the horse is not able to chew the feed effectively. A sign that your horse is having problems with its teeth is excessive dropping of hay and grain when eating, a problem known as quidding. Horse owners often spend large amounts of money on feed and supplements for horses that have undiagnosed tooth problems. With advances in veterinary care, especially in parasite control, horses are living longer. In extreme cases, old horses may actually grind their teeth down to the gum line. Horses with severe teeth problems may require special diets to maintain their body weight. This may include feeding all-in-one pelleted feed that can be softened, if necessary, by soaking.

Routine dental care is essential to the health of the older horse. Regular teeth filing, known as floating, is tolerated will by most horses and can be done with minimal restraint. In some cases, it may be necessary to lightly sedate the horse to facilitate floating. More severe cases, especially those involving hooks on the back teeth, may require the horse to be more deeply sedated or possibly anesthetized.

Summary:

Older horses, horses with problems gaining weight, and horses with performance problems such as head shaking or discomfort with the bit, benefit from dental examination by your veterinarian. It is much easier on the horse to have dental problems corrected before they become severe. All horses should have their teeth examined annually by a veterinarian, and older horses will benefit from twice-a-year examinations. And remember, do look that gift horse in the mouth. A horse with severe dental problems may require extensive work by your veterinarian or costly feed supplementation to maintain body weight.