03/07/2026
🩺 MYTH vs FACT
❌ MYTH:
"If my horse is still eating, its teeth must be fine."
✅ FACT:
Horses are prey animals, which means they instinctively hide pain and discomfort for as long as possible. Because of this, many horses will continue eating even when they have painful dental problems such as sharp enamel points, loose or fractured teeth, infections, gum disease, or food trapped between their teeth.
By the time obvious signs appear, the problem has often been there for quite some time.
⚠️ Signs your horse may need a dental examination: 🐎 Dropping partially chewed feed (quidding)
🌾 Taking longer than normal to chew hay or hard feed
💧 Excessive salivation while eating
🤕 Head tossing, resisting the bit, or difficulty accepting contact
😷 Bad breath or an unpleasant smell from the mouth
⚖️ Weight loss or struggling to maintain condition
🍽️ Eating less, preferring softer feeds, or chewing on one side only
😣 Swelling of the jaw or face, or sensitivity around the mouth
🐴 Changes in behaviour, attitude, or performance under saddle
🦷 Regular dental examinations are about much more than floating teeth. They help identify problems early before they become painful, expensive, or affect your horse's health and performance. A comfortable mouth allows your horse to eat efficiently, maintain a healthy body condition, and perform happily whether they're a competition horse or a much-loved companion.
💚 Your horse can't tell you when its mouth hurts—but the signs are often there if you know what to look for.
When in doubt, let us check it out! Contact us if you have any concerns or if your horse is due for a dental examination.
