Why Is Dental Care Essential for the Wellbeing and Performance of My Horse?

Did you know that a horse’s teeth grow 2–3 mm per year? Without sufficient wear, sharp hooks can develop, which may cause wounds and subsequent pain. No wonder dental problems are often at the root of behavioral-and performance issues.

Just as with humans, a healthy set of teeth is crucial for a horse’s overall health and wellbeing. You, as a horse owner, might be looking for scientifically supported solutions to keep your horse healthier and happier (Patterson, 2020).

In this blog, we will walk you through the following vet-recommended solutions to keep them in great shape:

• How you can recognise your horse is having dental problems
• The reason your horse might experience dental problems 
• How to treat dental problems in horses
• How you can prevent problems from recurring
• How turmeric can help to keep your horse’s teeth healthy

What Common Problems in Horses Are Linked to Their Teeth?

As a horse owner, you might notice changes in your horse’s behavior, health, or even during routine care, many of which can actually be linked to dental problems. 

Here are five of the most common signs that your horse may be dealing with teeth issues:

1. Dropping feed (quidding): your horse spits out or drops partially chewed hay or grain.
   
2. Reluctance under saddle: head tossing, resisting the bit, or unwillingness to work.
   
3. Weight loss or poor condition: difficulty chewing leads to reduced feed intake.
   
4. Bad breath or excessive salivation: possible sign of infections or wounds in the mouth.
   
5. Changes in attitude: becoming irritable, less social, or showing sudden behavior changes (AAEP, 2025).

The Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) (figure 1) can be a helpful tool in identifying pain signals. Facial expressions can be compared with the HGS to objectively assess dental disease. When in doubt, it is best to consult a veterinarian (Dalla Costa et al., 2014).

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental check-up to catch problems before they get worse.

Why Do Dental Problems Occur in Horses?

The teeth of horses are adapted to a high-fiber diet. Horses have what is called a hypsodont dentition. This means their teeth have more crown above the gumline and a reserve crown beneath it (figure 2).

Unlike humans, a horse’s teeth continue to grow (or erupt) throughout most of their life to compensate for the natural wear from chewing fibrous feed.

The reserves allow teeth to keep growing and replace the parts that wear down from chewing. However, these reserves are finite, which is why older horses often suffer more from tooth loss (SPANA, 2025; Graham, 2002).

How to treat dental issues in horses?

High costs and uncertainty: Owners also report high costs for thorough examinations or procedures. Regular check-ups annually or semi-annually, depending on age, can help prevent more severe and costly problems.

Some owners wonder whether alternatives exist to tooth extraction, such as fillings or root extractions. These treatments are indeed possible today and can be performed by veterinarians or equine dentists. Thanks to improved equipment, safer anesthesia, and better knowledge, these techniques have become more advanced and accessible. A second opinion may also provide clarity about the necessity of a procedure (Advanced Equine Dentistry Inc., 2020; Lesté-Lasserre, 2023).

How to prevent dental issues in horses?

Routine examinations, preferably once a year, are strongly recommended to identify problems early and avoid pain. For older horses, starting around the age of 15-18, biyearly check-ups may be beneficial. With age, the reserve crown is depleted, which makes dental issues more likely. Younger horses may also benefit from regular monitoring. Until around five years old, their adult teeth will come to the surface. Besides the rapid change of their teeth, more frequent exams could help to prevent fear of check-ups in the future  (Patterson, 2022; AAEP, 2025; Sellers F., 2015). 

Fear in horses: Anxiety is another factor, especially when horses go for check-ups. The way a dentist or vet handles the horse can have a major impact. A calm approach makes a real difference, particularly for young or inexperienced horses.

For young horses, gradual habituation can reduce fear. By regularly looking at the teeth yourself—e.g., by lifting the upper lip or touching the tongue—the horse can get used to these actions in a familiar environment, making future exams easier.

Horses fed grain-based diets spend less time chewing, which results in reduced or uneven tooth wear. This can increase the need for dental procedures (Kentucky Equine Research, 2015).

A diet tailored to the individual horse is therefore essential to maintain natural tooth wear. Factors such as age, weight, and activity level must also be taken into account before making adjustments to a diet (AAEP, 2025). Necessary adjustments should ideally be made in consultation with a veterinarian.

As veterinarian, nutritionist, and Curafyt founder Valerie De Clerck emphasizes:

“The right nutrition is the foundation of health. By harnessing the power of nature, we can ensure that horses and pets enjoy optimal health and vitality.”

Is there a natural solution to boost dental health? 

Recent studies (Zhang et al., 2022; Umapathy, 2022; Wojtylko et al., 2023) demonstrate that the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of turmeric can positively influence dental health.

• Antimicrobial effect: Turmeric disrupts bacterial cell walls, making it harder for bacteria to adhere to tooth surfaces and form dental plaque.
• Anti-inflammatory effect: In addition to reducing plaque, turmeric supports gum health by moderating immune responses. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are suppressed, while anti-inflammatory cytokines are promoted.

Supplements with turmeric, such as Restore & Revive, are a valuable addition to your horse’s diet. Turmeric also has positive effects on joint and muscle health.

Conclusion: a well-informed owner and preventive care are crucial in equine dental health

Equine dental care is essential for the wellbeing and performance of your horse. Early recognition of symptoms and regular check-ups are key to preventing serious issues. Alongside this, both knowledge and proper nutrition play vital roles in supporting long-term oral health. If you’d like tailored advice for your horse, or if you have questions about nutrition and supplements, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet or reach out to our vet at info@curafyt.com.