As the horse ages, the teeth become worn and irregular due to years of grinding hard feeds and course hay. When the hard enamel wears off, the softer 'dentine' from inside the tooth is exposed. This softer dentine erodes faster and therefore leads to lost and broken teeth and root abscesses.

What are the signs of teeth problems?

• Holding the head sideways when chewing
• Dropping food from the mouth
• Reluctance to eat
• Bad breath
• Evading the bit when the bridle is fitted
• Head tossing when bitted

Horses over the age of 15 should therefore have their teeth checked every 6 months by a veterinary surgeon or qualified equine dentist.

Please see the section on dental care for further information.

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