Dental care needs to be considered as part of the complete health picture of your horse and contributes to healthy digestion, body condition and performance It is very important to have a thorough oral exam on your horse yearly because horses have hypsodont teeth. Hypsodont teeth continue to erupt (or grow) throughout a horse's life
Between the ages of two and five, or over 15, we recommend twice yearly dental exams. The young horses are erupting new teeth and losing deciduous teeth (baby teeth) and this is also the age when wolf teeth, the first premolar, should be extracted if present to prevent biting problems. Once horses are nearing 15 years of age it is recommended to go back to a twice-yearly exam. More conservative care should be taken with an older horse and it is crucial to check for loose or fractured teeth.
Preventing dental problems from occurring or catching them at an early stage is yet another reason why your horse should have routine dental exams and treatments. Teeth are a non-renewable resource and should be handled with care. Overall, horses' teeth are a vital part of having a happy and healthy horse.
You can contact Surgi-Care's ambulatory clinician Dr. Kendra McLeod with your dentistry inquires at dentistry@surgi-carecenter.com or call 813-643-7177 to schedule an appointment.