Many pet owners are aware of the necessity to treat their dogs' and cats' oral health daily. However, the need for routine dental care in horses often goes unnoticed until there is a problem. Vices such as head shaking and grabbing the bit can be caused by the pain associated with cheek ulcers from sharp points on the teeth. Often, owners will notice feed dropping and quidding (balls of hay falling from the mouth), or eating with a tilted head to avoid pain. These are all signs that you may need to schedule a dental exam for your horse. If left untreated, these behaviors can cause colic, choke and weight loss because of the inability to chew properly.
Annual dental exams can begin as early as one year of age, as they are erupting and shedding many teeth during this period. Before bitting/riding, it's also important to make sure teeth won't cause problems with communication for the rider. With normal daily chewing, teeth points are created in certain areas of the mouth. These need to be floated annually for good maintenance to avoid pain and vice development. As the horse becomes geriatric (over 15 years old), they start losing teeth and create more areas for potential problems. Some of the horses may need exams/floating more than once per year to maintain good health.