When your horse’s teeth are floated on a routine basis, they will absorb more nutrients and experience more comfort eating. Eating is a very big part of every horse’s day.
It is technically possible to learn how to place your fingers inside a horse’s mouth and check to see if it’s time for a dental visit. However, not every horse will let you check to see if their teeth need floating. It’s also not a beginner’s task. Teeth floating is vital to help your horse get the most out of their feed and prevent injury to the mouth from the sharp points that grow naturally.
Just like humans, horses require regular dental check-ups and maintenance to ensure their teeth are healthy and functioning properly. One common dental procedure for horses is called “floating,” which involves smoothing out any sharp points or edges on the teeth to prevent discomfort or damage to the mouth. But how do you know if your horse needs its teeth floated?
How to Check (Yourself) to See if Your Horse Needs Teeth Floating
When you reach into your horse’s mouth, gently run your fingers along the sides of the back teeth upper and lower. If you feel sharp points, call the vet.
Horses are herbivores and have evolved to eat a diet consisting mainly of roughage such as hay and grass. To aid in the grinding and chewing of this tough material, horses have large, flat teeth with ridges or “tables” on their molars. Due to the way horses’ jaws move when they eat, the teeth can become uneven over time, leading to sharp points or hooks that can cause pain or damage to the mouth. Additionally, horses may develop other dental issues such as tooth decay or infections, which can also require floating. Regular dental check-ups can help catch these issues early on before they become more serious and affect the horse’s overall health. Teeth floating is kind of like nail filing, where a special tool is used to file the edges and points off of a horse’s teeth.
baby horses can do a lot of investigating with their teeth!
So, how can you tell if your horse needs its teeth floated? Here are some signs to look out for:
- Changes in Eating Habits
One of the most obvious signs that a horse’s teeth may need to be floated is changes in their eating habits. Horses with dental issues may have difficulty chewing or grinding their food properly, which can lead to weight loss, colic, or other digestive problems. If you notice your horse taking longer to eat, dropping food from their mouth, or avoiding certain types of food, it may be a sign that their teeth are causing discomfort or pain.
- Drooling or Excessive Salivation
Another sign of dental issues in horses is drooling or excessive salivation. This can be caused by sharp points or hooks on the teeth that are poking or rubbing against the horse’s cheeks or tongue. If your horse is drooling more than usual or has excess saliva around its mouth, it may be worth having their teeth checked by a veterinarian or equine dentist.
- Bad Breath or Foul Smelling Nasal Discharge
Dental issues in horses can also cause bad breath or foul-smelling nasal discharge. This can be a sign of tooth decay or infections, which can be very painful and can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. If you notice any unusual smells coming from your horse’s mouth or nose, it is important to have them checked by a professional.
- Head Tossing or Shaking
Horses with dental issues may also exhibit head tossing or shaking, particularly when they are eating or being ridden. This can be a sign that the horse is experiencing pain or discomfort in its mouth, and may be trying to relieve the pressure or irritation. If your horse is exhibiting this behavior, it is important to have them checked by a veterinarian or equine dentist to rule out any dental issues.
- Mouth or Facial Swelling
Finally, dental issues in horses can sometimes cause swelling in the mouth or face. This can be a sign of an abscess or infection in the teeth or gums, which can be very painful and require prompt treatment. If you notice any swelling or inflammation in your horse’s mouth or face, it is important to have them examined by a professional as soon as possible.
Floating Smoothes and Balances a Horse’s Teeth
Floating is a process that involves smoothing and balancing a horse’s teeth to ensure that they meet properly and function correctly. It is typically done using a specialized tool called a float, which grinds down any sharp edges or uneven surfaces on the teeth. By doing so, floating helps to prevent dental problems such as pain, discomfort, and difficulty chewing or digesting food.
The frequency with which a horse’s teeth should be floated can vary depending on a range of factors, including the horse’s age, diet, and overall health, as well as the specific dental issues that are present. As a general rule, however, most horses should have their teeth floated every other year, and some may require more frequent dental care.
Young horses, in particular, may require more frequent dental check-ups and floating, as their teeth are still developing and may be more prone to issues such as overgrowths, malocclusions, and other developmental problems.
Other factors that can impact the frequency of dental care include the horse’s use and workload, as well as any underlying health issues that may impact their dental health. For example, horses that are used for performance or racing may require more frequent dental care to ensure that their teeth are in optimal condition and do not interfere with their performance. Likewise, horses with underlying health conditions such as periodontal disease or oral tumors may require more frequent dental care to manage these issues.
Ultimately, the best way to determine how often a horse’s teeth should be floated is to consult with a qualified veterinarian or equine dentist. These professionals can assess the horse’s dental health, identify any issues or concerns, and recommend an appropriate dental care plan that takes into account the horse’s specific needs and circumstances. By providing regular dental care, horse owners and caretakers can help ensure that their horses remain healthy, comfortable, and able to perform their best.
Here’s a link to the video of that cute little chestnut baby horse nibbling on the lead rope: https://www.facebook.com/reel/5451491084957389