How often should my horse’s teeth be checked?
Short answer
Dentals should be done at least once per year for most adult horses. Younger horses (2–5 years) and seniors may require more frequent exams due to tooth eruption and age-related changes (The Horse; AAEP guidance).
Real-Life Example
A horse may be dropping weight, losing topline musculature and acting “ulcer-y”, and then quidding (dropped balls of poorly chewed food) is noticed when they’re eating. That’s a good indicator to check their teeth! When horses can’t chew hay effectively, their ability to absorb nutrients from their food is greatly reduced.
It Depends
Frequency of dentals varies based on:
• Age, injury and dental pathology history effecting chewing abilities
• Feed type
• Workload
• Dental history
• Tooth conformation
Young horses and seniors often need closer monitoring.
When to Seek Guidance
Schedule a veterinary dental exam if you notice:
• Quidding
• Slow eating
• Foul odor
• Head tossing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Behavioral resistance
If ulcers are suspected and a dental exam hasn’t been performed recently, that’s a great place to start.
Sources:
Easley, J. (1998). Dental care and instrumentation.
AAEP Dental Care Guidelines
Northwest Equine Dentistry – Dental Care Recommendations
