Learn About Your Horse's Teeth

Tooth Types and Their Uses

Incisors are used for clipping grass and picking up food. Premolars are used for grinding it all up before the horse swallows. But teeth have two other uses. Teeth can be used as a weapon. A horse may nip if annoyed or may bite hard if it is defending itself from or attacking other horses or predators. Horses may play bite and this is common in youngsters.

Teeth are also a grooming tool. They can be used to scratch an itch or may be used in social grooming referred to as allogrooming. This is when horses nibble on each other along the top of the neck, withers, back, and hindquarters.

Some horses are clever at using their teeth and lips to unfasten door latches or untie knots in ropes or may enjoy carrying objects around with their teeth. 

Common Dental Problems

Horses are prone to several tooth problems. These problems can result in poor health, weight loss, difficulty wearing a bit, and behavior or performance problems when ridden or driven. Horses can have cracked, loose, or broken teeth from an accident. Baby teeth may not shed properly and could need the attention of an equine dentist or veterinarian. Uneven wear can cause sharp edges and hooks that require smoothing down to prevent irritation to the inside of the cheeks or tongue. Some horses have misaligned jaws that can be undershot or overshot, also called parrot mouth, which can cause wear and 

chewing problems.