As an Equine Dental Technician, I’ve seen firsthand how dental care can significantly impact a horse’s performance. In this blog post, I’ll share my observations on the ways equine dentistry can improve your horse’s well-being and help them achieve their full potential.
Optimising nutrient absorption
A horse with dental issues may struggle to chew and grind their food effectively, leading to poor nutrient absorption. Regular dental care ensures your horse can break down their feed properly, allowing them to utilise all the nutrients and maintain optimal health. Moreover, efficient chewing can also result in less feed waste and potential cost savings for you as an owner.
Enhancing communication and comfort
Dental problems can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. A sore or dysfunctional TMJ can impact your horse’s comfort, as well as their neck and back. By maintaining your horse’s dental health, you can ensure a comfortable and pain-free TMJ, which in turn allows for more effective communication through the bit and better performance.
Addressing ulcers and wounds
Sharp enamel points can cause ulcers or wounds in your horse’s mouth, resulting in pain and behavioural changes when ridden. Regular dental care helps identify and address these issues, ensuring your horse is more comfortable and cooperative during training or competitions.
Depending on your horse’s diet, age, and jaw alignment, they may require dental care once or twice per year. I encourage you to book regular dental check-ups for your horse with a qualified Equine Dental Technician (such as myself!) and ensure that your horse achieve their best performance and live a happy, healthy life.
/Giovanni
