Why do horses need a dentist?
Four reasons explain the present importance of equine dentistry:
1.- The discovery that dental problems have a huge impact on athletic performance.
2.- The present-day diet of domestic equines.
3.- Present-day criteria in genetic selection patterns.
4.- Modern technology advancements that make it possible to apply very effective, safe working techniques.
Why do horses need a dentist?
... Because in their natural environment horses chew grass from 12 to 16 hours a day.
Horses cut grass from the ground with their incisors and then grind it with their molars and premolars. Today, most horses live in stables or fenced areas with no pasture. 
They are fed two or three times a day and their diet consists of a high proportion of grains or pelleted food. Consequently, they spend much fewer hours chewing, resulting in inadequate tooth wear.
... Because their teeth continue growing (erupting) in order to compensate for the wear associated with intensive chewing. Tooth wear is caused by teeth rubbing against each other and by the high content of abrasive minerals that are ingested along with the grass. In order to compensate for this wear, horses have very long teeth located in deep dental sockets that continue to erupt at a rate of about 3 millimeters per year (hypsodont teeth). In order to do their task properly, the horse’s molars and premolars work as a functional unit, called a "molar table", formed by effective grinding surfaces. When a horse chews, its jaw moves in circular fashion and the food is ground between the molar tables. The tables have naturally rough surfaces, and rather sharp edges to help cutting the grass. Equines which live in stables chew much fewer hours per day, so their tooth wear is reduced. Over time, some teeth become overly large, irregular, and with excessively sharp points, thus limiting their ability to chew, and interfering with jaw motion.
... Moreover, horses are not designed by nature to wear a bit. The bits push mucous from the commissure of the lips against the first teeth (normally quite sharp), and might pinch the commissure, causing discomfort and sometimes painful cuts. The canine teeth and “wolf teeth” often interfere with the bit.
2. Sharp hook
3. Points
4. Sores (ulcers of the oral mucous)
Tel. (+34) 606 940 274 :: m.duch@odontologiaequina.com