Horses require a lot of special care, from having plenty of fresh food and water to space to roam freely. But how do horses maintain their own dental health?

Horse Teeth vs. Human Teeth

• Did you know you can determine a horse’s age by its teeth? That’s because horses’ teeth grow and change constantly! They continually file their own teeth down by chewing. However, if they don’t chew evenly, their teeth can grow sharp edges.
• Every year, horses should have their teeth floated, or filed down, to get rid of any painful, sharp edges or hooks that form on their teeth, especially if they have diets that are primarily made of soft foods like hay or alfalfa.
• Instead of having a hard outer layer called enamel on their teeth, horses’ teeth are covered in a material called cementum that is actually softer and more porous than enamel. Cementum is easily stained, which is why horses usually have yellow or brown teeth.

Brushing a Horse’s Teeth

Because horses’ teeth are so different than ours, they require yearly dental examinations with an equine dentist to make sure that they don’t have too much tartar buildup or any complications with their gums. You can remove tartar from your horse’s teeth between dental appointments, but brushing your horse’s teeth isn’t necessary. This is because horses are herbivores and the food that they eat creates an alkaline environment in their mouth, and they also have little to no space between their teeth for widespread decay to develop. That said, horses’ teeth don’t keep growing forever, and older horses do suffer from tooth loss and decay, especially if their teeth aren’t floated and grow unruly over time. It’s always best to follow the instructions of your equine dentist.

Caring for Your Own Teeth

Horses’ teeth are fascinating and quite different from our own. Although a horse may not need its teeth brushed every day, it’s important for YOU to brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once a day, and brush your tongue every day to keep bacteria at bay. Whether you need a cleaning and exam or a more specialized procedure, our team at Middletown Commons Family Dental has you covered. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!