How to Check a Horse's Teeth

Sometimes, it is a good idea to look a horse in the mouth. Proper care of the teeth and early detection of gum disease may eliminate problems before they start. An exam of the teeth can also give you the age, health and general condition of the horse. Here's how to check a horse's mouth and teeth.

Instructions

1. Make the horse feel safe and at ease before you start to examine the teeth. Spend a little time getting to know the horse to get a sense of their level of anxiety.

2. Start with the front of the mouth. Part the lips and look at the front teeth. Look for incisors that are the same size and a flat, level biting surface. Check that the upper and lower incisors are flush with each, when viewed from the side view with the head in a grazing position.

3. Look at the lower incisors from a side view. Raise the horse's head up with one hand under the chin. Properly aligned lower incisors will slide backwards from 3/8-inch to 1/2-inch as the head comes up.

4. Check the grinding action of the molars. Place one hand on the underside of the lower jaw, cup the other hand over the nose and carefully slide the jaw to one side then to the other side. A normal result of this action is a grinding sound of the teeth as the rear molars make contact with each other.

5. Stand clear of the horse's face and body while you are doing the next exam, as it may cause him to jerk his head. Feel the area above the temporal mandible joints on each side for heat and tightness or atrophy of the muscles and tendons. Do this by using gentle pressure to examine the area. If the incisors are too long, grinding food requires more pressure, and a painful condition may develop.

6. Part the lips. Check for overbite or an underbite. From a side view, the top and bottom teeth are almost parallel when they are in good alignment.

7. Smell the breath, as it is often a sign of dental disease.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult an equine dentist or veterinarian about any problems you encounter.

• Examine the teeth several times a year.

• Do not put your hands in a horse's mouth. This may result in serious injury.

• If you are not comfortable with the horse, consult a veterinarian for assistance with the exam.