Why Your Horse’s Teeth Matter

Equine dentistry has evolved dramatically in recent years. Once considered a routine rasp to smooth sharp edges, modern dentistry now plays a vital role in supporting welfare, comfort, and performance. Today, we understand far more about how the mouth connects with the rest of the body – and why dental pain should never be overlooked.

Chapter 5 of our Bare Bones of the Matter docuseries, Dentistry, Performance and Beyond, premieres on Wednesday 12th November 2025. In this episode, Gillian is joined by leading equine vet and dental specialist Dr Chris Pearce to explore how dental health influences everything from balance to behaviour and why regular dental care matters for every horse.

Can dental pain really affect performance?

Yes – and in more ways than many of us realise. A sore tooth, misaligned jaw, or restricted tongue can ripple through the entire body, leading to resistance, inconsistency in the contact, and even changes in posture and way of going.

Recent studies have found that up to 70% of horses have undiagnosed dental problems. This is a major welfare concern because many of these horses show no outward signs of pain. Subtle changes in behaviour – irritability, resistance to the bit, or reluctance to work – may be the only clues.

What is the hyoid – and why does it matter?

The hyoid apparatus, sometimes called the “tongue bone,” sits at the base of the skull and is made up of five small bones. It anchors the tongue and connects via muscles, tendons and ligaments to the pharynx, neck, sternum, and even the forelimbs. Because the tongue attaches directly into the hyoid, restriction here can influence breathing, posture, mobility, and forelimb protraction – all of which affect ridden performance.

How does the TMJ affect horses?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the upper and lower jaws and is responsible for chewing, jaw movement, and aligning the teeth. Through its connection with the temporal bone, the TMJ also links closely with the ear – the centre of balance.

This means TMJ dysfunction doesn’t just cause pain when eating or bitting; it can also affect equilibrium, proprioception, and posture. Problems may be triggered by misaligned teeth, an ill-fitting bit, or an over-tight noseband, all of which can have a detrimental effect on comfort, balance, and performance.

When should dental checks start?

Regular checks should begin a minimum of once a year for a foal. Dr Chris Pearce highlights that between 18 months and five years, horses experience a rapid period of tooth eruption and development. He recommends a thorough dental examination every six months during this stage, to ensure the mouth is in the best possible condition before a bit is introduced and ridden work begins. Routine care at this stage helps catch problems early and sets young horses up for a more comfortable career.

How often should all horses be checked?

It's highly recommended that horses receive a dental examination every 6-12 months. For older horses, or those with specific abnormalities, more frequent checks may be needed. Like many health issues, early intervention is far better than waiting for the first outward signs of pain to appear and as already mentioned, horses don't easily show signs of dental pain.

The benefits of regular dental checks include:

• Ensuring horses eat with maximum efficiency.

• Catching problems early before they develop into long-term issues that may be harder to treat.

• Keeping horses pain-free, even when there are no visible signs of discomfort.

• Reducing the risk of tooth loss and associated problems in older age – particularly important as horses are living longer.

• Preventing bitting issues when introducing the bit for the first time.

• Supporting horses to work to their optimum ability.

What should a modern dental examination include?

According to Chris, a proper dental exam should be carried out under sedation.

“Can you effectively assess the back of the mouth properly without sedation? No, I would say it’s not possible… That is your horse’s one chance, every six or 12 months, to make absolutely sure that there is nothing wrong.”

A sedated, detailed examination ensures nothing is missed – essential when dental-related pain can cause subtle changes in behaviour, irritability, or poor performance under saddle.

Poor performance isn't always because of lameness

While studies show that lameness and musculoskeletal problems are the most common causes of poor performance, Chris stresses that dental pain shouldn’t be ignored. There is growing evidence that dental disorders can cause reluctance to work, aggression, and reduced trainability. More research is needed in this area, but regular dentistry is key to ensuring pain isn’t a hidden factor.

Who else is involved in this chapter?

In Chapter 5 of The Bare Bones of the Matter Dr Chris Pearce from the Equine Dental Clinic will look at the importance of dental health in greater detail, using Freddie Fox as a case study. Also collaborating with us is the British Horse Society and its No Pain? Check Again campaign that is raising awareness of hidden pain. It's aim is to educate horse owners about equine dental problems and the need for regular check-ups, even if no obvious pain is present. This episode empowers owners to understand what good dentistry looks like and why it matters.

Don’t miss it!

If you’re looking for a soft, consistent contact and a horse that feels truly comfortable in its mouth and head, this is a chapter you won’t want to miss. Dentistry, Performance and Beyond premieres Wednesday 12th November 2025.