You may dislike going to the dentist, but don’t let that stop you from getting good dental care for your horse.

Horses chew, grinding their teeth, up to forty-thousand times a day. During this process, the teeth naturally develop sharp edges that can injure oral tissues, lead to oral sores and inhibit proper chewing. Some teeth may even crack.

Because dental problems can prevent food from being properly eaten, other digestive conditions can result and lead to weight loss.

Signs of dental problems can include bad breath, drooling and behaviors such as resisting the bit. These issues can tip owners off to call their veterinarian.

Scheduling regular oral examinations and keeping on top of routine veterinary procedures before a problem begins should help keep your horse grazing happily for many years to come.