Equine Dentistry

Monday on the farm.  Cold, windy, and we have a dental appointment scheduled at the pole barn.  Dr. Diane Febles of Georgia Equine Dentistry sees our Tennessee Walker, Buck, once every 8 months.  Today she is floating or filing his teeth. Why would a horse need a dentist?  oh, so many reasons.

A horse is a hypsodont, meaning their teeth continue to erupt throughout their life.  These oral changes affect the bit placement. Wolf teeth and retained baby teeth may impact training of a young horse. Ulcers caused by the sharp edges of the adult teeth may turn a respectful horse into a hard-to-handle-horse.  Head tossing and many other behavioral and training  issues are caused by dental problems. Once corrected, the horse and rider relationship improves dramatically.