Learn About Your Horse's Teeth

it grazes. These are also the first teeth to appear as the milk teeth grow in and the first to shed as the permanent teeth push through. These teeth are the easiest to see so its from these that a horses age is estimated. 
These teeth can continue to grow to replace the gradual erosion caused by cropping fodder that has grit and other abrasives. Incisors can also be damaged by blows that can crack the tooth just like human teeth can be damaged. All horse teeth are deeply rooted and the roots can curve well back into the jaw bone. Horses have six incisors top and bottom for a total of 12.  
Premolars and Molars
The premolars or cheek teeth sit directly behind the bars of the mouth. These teeth help to grind food before it is gathered into a bolus at the back of the throat and swallowed. The cheek teeth are wider than the incisors. A horse moves its jaws sideways to grind grass hay or grains. These teeth convert fodder like grass or hay into a 12 inch long. If you see pieces of grass or hay in a horses manure that are longer it could indicate a dental problem that is making it hard for your horse to chew properly. All of your horses teeth grow about 16 inch per year. The amount of wear depends on the type of soil the horse is grazing on and the type of fodder as well as the health habits and genetics of the horse itself.
Premolars and molars are very deeply rooted in the horses jaw bone. In the lower jaw these teeth extend to the bottom of the bone. There are three premolars and three molars located at the top and bottom for a total of 24. Very rarely a horse may have an extra molar. 
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