Horse Dental Care: Why Your Horse Needs a Dentist

Most horse owners overlook dental care. Learn why regular dentistry prevents weight loss, behavioural problems, and poor performance.

Horse Care · 2026-03-18 · 5 min read

A horse's teeth grow continuously throughout its life — roughly 2-3mm per year. Without regular dental care, sharp edges, hooks, and ramps develop that cause pain, difficulty eating, and resistance under saddle. Yet dental care is one of the most overlooked aspects of horse management in South Africa.

Why Dental Care Matters

Horses' teeth are designed for constant grinding of rough grass. Domesticated horses often eat softer feeds, and their teeth wear unevenly as a result.

Signs your horse needs dental attention:

• Dropping feed (quidding)
• Losing weight despite adequate feeding
• Head tilting while eating
• Resisting the bit or being head-shy
• Bad breath or nasal discharge
• Undigested food in droppings
• Reluctance to accept contact when ridden

Many horses show NO obvious signs but still have significant dental issues. That's why routine checks are essential.

What Happens During a Dental Check?

1. Sedation — most equine dentists use light sedation for safety and comfort
2. Speculum — a mouth gag holds the jaws open for examination
3. Examination — the dentist checks every tooth, the tongue, cheeks, and gums
4. Floating — sharp edges are filed down using a power float or hand rasp
5. Treatment — hooks, ramps, or wave mouth are corrected; damaged teeth may need extraction

Duration: 30–45 minutes

Cost: R600–R1,200 per session (excluding sedation)

How Often?

• Young horses (1–5 years): Every 6 months — teeth are changing rapidly, wolf teeth may need removal
• Adults (5–18 years): Annually — routine maintenance
• Seniors (18+ years): Every 6 months — teeth wear out and may need more frequent attention
• Before bitting — any young horse starting work should have a dental check first
• Performance issues — any sudden resistance to the bit warrants a dental exam

Finding an Equine Dentist in SA

In South Africa, equine dentistry can be performed by:

• Equine veterinarians — some specialise in dentistry
• Qualified equine dental technicians (EDTs) — trained specialists who work under veterinary supervision

Always use a qualified professional. Amateur filing can cause serious damage.

Pro Tips

1. Schedule dental checks with your annual vaccination — easy to remember
2. Check young horses' wolf teeth before they start bitting
3. Older horses may need their feed soaked if teeth are worn
4. Keep records — note what was done each visit for tracking trends
5. A well-maintained mouth means better feed utilisation — saving you money on feed bills

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