Routine dental care reduces the incidence of dental disease. Sharp teeth and uneven dental wear predispose to tongue and cheek lacerations, poorly masticated feed, decreased feed intake, choke, and weight loss, and may contribute to mouth pain when the horse is bridled. Frequent dental examination allows early detection of tooth root abscessation before more serious complications (eg, sinusitis) develop. (Also see Dentistry.)

Last full review/revision July 2011 by Wendy E. Vaala, VMD, DACVIM