Nov 2, 2020 · Sharp enamel points is the most common dental problem found in horses. Sharp enamel points are teeth overgrowths on the outside edge of the upper cheek teeth and the inside edge of the lower cheek teeth.

Common dental problems include sharp edges on teeth, misalignments, and decay. These conditions can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty in eating. For instance, a horse with sharp teeth may experience cuts in its mouth, leading to reluctance to eat. Misaligned teeth might result in uneven wear, complicating things further.

Apr 19, 2017 · Hooks: Long sharp points may develop on the first upper cheek teeth known as the second premolars and the last lower cheek teeth, the third molars. This can cause a malocclusion problem and the long sharp points may lacerate the gums and make eating painful.

Apr 28, 2025 · Learn about common dental issues in horses, their signs, and treatments. Understand conditions like wave mouth, shear mouth, and broken teeth.

May 31, 2022 · Horses have two different types of teeth. The front, or forward, teeth are called incisors and function to cut off forage (grass or hay). The second type of teeth are cheek teeth, which include premolars and molars that chew food before swallowing. These teeth are wide, flat, and have a grooved surface to allow for grinding.

Some horses may require annual dental floating (filing down of sharp edges on teeth), especially if they have an overbite or underbite. Older horses may have loose teeth that require pulling. While younger horses may need baby or wolf teeth removed.

Apr 5, 2023 · Almost all horses have sharp enamel points and they occur because a horse’s teeth continue to erupt and wear down from chewing throughout its life. The portions of the teeth that do not wear down create these sharp enamel points.

Feb 18, 2023 · Dental problems can be quite painful and, in turn, can cause horses to exhibit certain performance-inhibiting behaviors. Often these problems are subtle or not even recognized as related to the...

Horses can develop dental problems just like humans. Some of the most commonly occurring issues include sharp edges, deciduous (milk teeth) problems, wolf teeth, hooks, ramped molars, excessive transverse ridges, steps, shear mouth, wave mouth and decayed teeth.

Behavior problems or weight loss may be a result of long, sharp teeth, an uneven arcade, or abscesses in the teeth or gums. Complete oral examination, including visualization of the premolars and molars, requires sedation, a speculum, and good lighting.