Horse Health Network       Horse Health       Equine Health       Horse Nutrition       Health Horse Joints      Horse Health Products

Equine dentistry is one of the most important areas of equine health.  The improper functioning of the mouth caused by dental problems leads to a vast array of health, behavioral and performance issues.

Equine dentistry has changed remarkably over the past 20 years.  Gone are the days when just a “floating” or rasping of sharp edges is acceptable as adequate dental care.  Today equine dentistry has become more scientific but still retains aspects of the artistry of previous times.

It has long been thought that horses thrive better when they have their teeth “floated”.  It made sense that removing long, sharp points which develop on certain aspects of horses’ teeth and cause cuts and sores would allow the horse to eat more comfortably. This was confirmed as early as the early 20^th century by studies done for the German cavalry.

It also made sense that reducing sharp points and overlong teeth would help horses perform better.  The discomfort caused by sharp edges and overlong teeth were found to hurt and distract horses and cause them to resist the tack and bits used by riders and drivers.  These facts lead to the development of sophisticated equine dental equipment over one hundred years ago in North America around Chicago and in Europe.  At that time, a text book was written on the subject of addressing dental abnormalities in the equine. 

Surprising as it may seem, mechanized tools were developed in the first few years of the 1900’s which were powered by flexible shafts attached to wheels turned by hand.  So, in fact, maybe we have not as much discovered the real importance of equine dentistry as rediscovered it during recent times.

Improved health and comfort are the two most significant achievements of properly performed equine dentistry.  In the achievement of better health and comfort one affects behavior, balance, performance, longevity and enjoyment of life.  Few other procedures can have such far reaching and meaningful effects on a horse’s wellbeing. Equine dentistry is an extremely important portion of the horses’ health care program.

For the International Association of Equine Dentistry: P.J. Murphy, B.Sc., IAED-Ex
Copyright International Association of Equine Dentistry 2005

To visit the International Association of Equine Dentistry click on the logo below

How to Choose an Equine Dental Professional

Floating